Pradeep Kumar Pandey9 minutes ago
Faith remains strong in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, but locals of the iconic city say that the atmosphere has changed since allegations of Ram Mandir donation theft surfaced. The situation had worsened after severe allegations of donation theft were imposed on people linked to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust surfaced.
Locals blame Ram Mandir donation theft case for worsening situation?
At 10 am, devotees continue to queue through the Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Gate on Rampath to offer prayers to Ram Lalla. A sandalwood and garland seller on Rampath said the number of devotees has dropped to a mere 25% of when compared to the footfall prior to theft allegations.
Similarly, a prasad vendor said he earlier used to earn ₹4,000–5,000 a day, but now struggles to make ₹1,000. Surya Prakash, who sells flowers and garlands at Naya Ghat, said his daily earnings have fallen from ₹1,000–1,500 to around ₹500. An E-rickshaw driver, Ajay, said he can no longer cover even his operating costs for his vehicle.
At breakfast time, all tables at a popular restaurant on Rampath remain empty. A manager of one such restaurant said that business has remained weak for the past 10 days. He blamed the worsening situation on the donation theft controversy, the reopening of schools, and monsoon rains. However, most shopkeepers, hotel owners, and auto and e-rickshaw drivers believe the controversy is the main reason for the fall in pilgrims.
What do the devotees say?
According to locals, daily footfall has dropped from 100,000–150,000 devotees to around 60,000–70,000. Sumit, a visitor from Gujarat, said his first visit required a four-hour wait for darshan, while this time it took only one hour.
Arun Agrawal, spokesperson for the Ayodhya Hotels Association, said occupancy in mid-segment hotels has fallen to 25%. Around 100 new hotels are under construction around Ayodhya, and if religious tourism does not recover soon, investments could be severely affected.
A travel agency owner added that most current visitors are from nearby areas and do not require hotels or taxis.
Saints remain divided over the case
Mahant Acharya Mithileshanandini Sharan of Siddhapeeth Shri Hanumat Niwas said the issue is an administrative failure, not the institution’s, and alleged attempts are being made to weaken public faith. He said the truth will soon emerge.
Mahant Kamal Nayan Das, successor of Maniram Das Chhawani, said only a few lower-level employees were at fault and action has already been taken. He said Trust General Secretary Champat Rai was not responsible.
Mahant Dharmdas of Hanumangarhi demanded that the Trust be dissolved and replaced with a new body of Ayodhya saints. He said they would approach the Supreme Court if necessary.
Mahant Vivek Achari of Dantdhavan Kund Temple called for Shankaracharyas and Peethadheeshwars to be included in the Trust.
Mahant Janmejaya Sharan demanded greater representation for Ayodhya’s saints in the Trust.
UP elections nine months away
The controversy has grown beyond the alleged donation theft and investigation. Since the Ram Temple has long been a key ideological symbol for the BJP and RSS, allegations against the Trust have given the Opposition a major political issue ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, due in about nine months.
After initially remaining silent, the BJP and RSS have launched a damage-control campaign. Party workers and volunteers are telling people that the SIT probe is underway, action has been taken against those responsible, and major reforms are being introduced in the Trust.
Speculation about early Assembly elections had grown after the West Bengal results and the census process, but following the Trust controversy, the BJP is reportedly not in favour of advancing polls, fearing political damage if elections are held before the issue subsides.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has assured strict action against those found guilty. Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya challenged Akhilesh Yadav to clarify his stand on the Mathura Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi issue. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav said the matter concerns public faith, demanded a fair investigation without any cover-up, and said his party would raise the issue during Parliament’s Monsoon Session.
