Ram Temple Donation Controversy: RSS Talks to PM Modi After Donation Theft

By Aditya Nagar | July 04, 2026

Ram Temple Donation Controversy: On Friday, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) called for a full investigation and strict punishment for anyone found guilty of stealing donations from the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

The RSS also asked the Hindu community to remain patient and calm, and to stand up to groups trying to harm the reputation of Hindu society.

Ram Temple Donation Controversy: RSS Breaks Silence, Seeks Strict Action in Ram Temple Donation Row

Dattatreya Hosabale, the RSS's General Secretary, said that anyone found guilty after the investigation should face strict punishment.

This is the first time a senior RSS leader has spoken publicly about the issue. On the same day, former BJP MP and Bajrang Dal leader and founder Vinay Katiyar said that Champat Rai, Gopal Rao, and Anil Mishra could be jailed soon.

Katiyar called for changes to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and said he spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the donation controversy. Authorities have arrested eight suspects linked to the case.

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RSS Breaks silence on Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Row

Ram Temple Donation Controversy: Rai and Mishra have stepped down from the trust.

Hosabale said that, given the controversy, it is natural for the Hindu community and the RSS to expect the trust to take this "highly condemnable incident" seriously and fix any problems with how the temple is managed.

He stressed the importance of keeping the faith and respect of millions of Ram devotees in the Ayodhya temple.

He also said the current confusion and uncertainty should end, and expects the temple management and the government-appointed SIT to take all necessary steps.

Ram Temple Donation Theft: Donation Row Casts Shadow on Ram Temple Campaign

RSS Statement: The Ram Janmabhoomi campaign, which led to the building of the Ram Temple, was led by the RSS-affiliated Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

The donation controversy has caused a political crisis for the ruling BJP before the Sangh’s upcoming Prant Pracharak Baithak in Karnataka on July 10.

The temple at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi has become a center of faith and devotion for the Hindu community, thanks to the efforts and sacrifices of many generations of Rambhakts.

Hosabale said the theft from the donation boxes at the Shri Ram Lalla temple in Ayodhya has deeply hurt the feelings and faith of society and Ram devotees, and that many people are upset and angry.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Latest News: Hosabale Says He Discussed Donation Row with PM Modi

Ram Temple Donation Controversy: With the donation theft affecting both the Sangh and the BJP before the upcoming UP assembly elections, the Sangh has supported the Yogi Adityanath government’s decision to set up an SIT.

After a request from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the Uttar Pradesh government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and began legal action based on its recommendations.

Hosabale said that anyone found guilty after the investigation must be severely punished.

He also asked the Hindu community to "show patience and restraint during this difficult time and to resist attempts by groups trying to harm Hindu society by using this incident."

He described the theft as a direct attack on the nation's spiritual heritage and the faith of millions.

He also said he discussed the matter with Prime Minister Modi, who asked about the possible next steps.

'Robbery in God's House': Katiyar on Ram Temple Donation Row

Ram Temple Donation Controversy: In response Katiyar stated that the situation would be resolved in the government’s favor.

Katiyar said it was clear that money had been stolen, calling it a robbery in God’s house and saying it sent a bad message across the country.

According to him, the SIT investigation was satisfactory and should continue without bias, though he claimed that some people were being protected.

On Friday, Congress said the RSS’s “clean chit” in the Ram temple donation “embezzlement” case is “disgraceful and shameful” and only an attempt at damage control.

Congress Slams RSS Over Ram Temple Donation Row

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Latest Update: Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh called the RSS a “fraudulent outfit,” and the party’s media head, Pawan Khera, described it as “a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”

He claimed that large-scale "chanda chori" (donation theft) was carried out by people within the organisation, calling the RSS a fraudulent outfit.

He later told reporters that the RSS’s defense of the trust, despite the large theft, is shameful and shows the organisation’s true priorities.

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