'Who Are You Protecting?': Kejriwal Questions PM on Ram Temple Donation Embezzlement Probe

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday intensified his attack on the Centre over the alleged embezzlement of donations collected at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya , questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the investigation and alleging that only "small players" had been arrested while those actually responsible were being shielded.

Addressing a press conference in the national capital, Kejriwal claimed that the alleged financial irregularities extended beyond the donation counting process and involved land purchases as well as construction-related transactions linked to the temple project. He argued that such large scale irregularities could not have taken place without the knowledge of those at the highest levels.

The former Delhi chief minister alleged that the office bearers of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust were personally chosen by the Prime Minister and pointed out that a senior official from the Union Home Ministry is also associated with the Trust. Raising questions over accountability, he asked why no action was taken earlier if irregularities had indeed taken place.

Kejriwal further alleged that the arrest of eight individuals in the case was merely an attempt to divert attention from the "real masterminds". He claimed that those arrested were only "pawns" and demanded to know who the government was trying to protect.

Continuing his criticism, the AAP leader also targeted Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath , questioning why strict action, including the state's much publicised bulldozer policy, was not being used against those accused of misappropriating donations offered by devotees. He said the alleged theft had hurt the religious sentiments of millions of people.

Kejriwal also referred to earlier allegations surrounding land transactions linked to the temple Trust, claiming that land reportedly purchased for around Rs 14 crore was later acquired by the Trust for nearly Rs 95 crore , raising questions over possible financial irregularities. He further alleged that commissions had been paid during construction related works.

The controversy follows the submission of preliminary findings by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government. Based on the initial report submitted on June 23 , an FIR was registered on June 25 , leading to the arrest of eight persons associated with the temple's donation counting process.

As part of the ongoing investigation, officials have also recorded the statement of Champat Rai , General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust . Rai recently offered to resign, accepting what he described as "moral responsibility" for the controversy. His resignation is expected to be taken up for formal consideration during the Trust's meeting scheduled for July 6 .

The allegations have triggered a fresh political confrontation, with the AAP demanding greater transparency and accountability in the investigation, while the official probe into the alleged donation embezzlement continues.