3 weeks ago
Rai Back in Race for Ram Temple Trust General Secretary
Champat Rai used to be the general secretary of a trust that looks after the famous Ram Temple in Ayodhya, India.
He left the job on June 26 because some people questioned how donations and offerings at the temple were being handled.
Later, a big group of religious leaders called the Vishwa Hindu Parishad met and said they found no problem with him.
Many holy men in Ayodhya then gathered and declared that Rai was innocent.
They asked the trust to give him his old job back.
To win their support, Rai has been visiting temples and meeting religious leaders across Ayodhya.
Some people say he did great work for the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, including during the time of earlier VHP leader Ashok Singhal.
However, another leader named Bajrang Lal Bagda is also being considered for the same job.
For now, Dr Krishnamohan is doing the work as acting general secretary.
The trust will make the final decision on the post at a future meeting.
Champat Rai resigned as general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on June 26 amid allegations linked to the alleged theft of temple offerings and the handling of donations.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad gave Rai a clean chit at its national meeting in Delhi on July 22, and sources said opposition to him within the organisation subsided.
Ayodhya seers declared Rai innocent at a July 23 meeting at Maniram Das Chhawani and demanded his reinstatement as general secretary of the temple trust.
The trust deferred the appointment of a new general secretary at its July 19 meeting and may again avoid a final decision at its next meeting on September 2.
VHP international general secretary Bajrang Lal Bagda is also in contention for the post, while Dr Krishnamohan is serving as acting general secretary.
Seers credited Rai with playing an important role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the temple's construction, including during the lifetime of former VHP leader Ashok Singhal.
- Who
- Champat Rai, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Ayodhya seers, and trust officials including acting general secretary Dr Krishnamohan and contender Bajrang Lal Bagda.
- What
- A contest over who will become general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, with Rai's reinstatement backed by seers after the VHP cleared him of allegations.
- Where
- Ayodhya, India; the VHP's national meeting took place in Delhi.
- When
- Rai resigned on June 26; the VHP's national meeting was held July 22 in Delhi; the seers' meeting was held July 23; the trust's next meeting is scheduled for September 2.
- Why
- Seers and the VHP consider Rai innocent of the allegations and believe his return would help the Ram temple's functioning, but the trust has yet to take a final decision.
Rai's Supporters
Trust's Caution and Critics
Allegations over temple offerings
Rai's Supporters
Seers called the allegations part of a conspiracy, and the VHP's July 22 national meeting gave Rai a clean chit.
Trust's Caution and Critics
Allegations linked to the theft of temple offerings and the handling of donations led Rai to resign on June 26.
Reinstatement as general secretary
Rai's Supporters
Ayodhya seers declared Rai innocent, demanded his reappointment, and said it would help the temple's functioning and serve the Sanatan community.
Trust's Caution and Critics
The trust deferred the decision on July 19 and may again avoid a final decision at its September 2 meeting, while acting general secretary Dr Krishnamohan continues managing affairs.
Choice of next general secretary
Rai's Supporters
Rai has a longstanding association with the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and growing support among Ayodhya's seers.
Trust's Caution and Critics
Bajrang Lal Bagda represents the VHP's current organisational leadership and is also being discussed for the post.
Key facts
- Rai's resignation
- June 26
- VHP clean chit
- National meeting in Delhi, July 22
- Seers' reinstatement demand
- Meeting at Maniram Das Chhawani, Ayodhya, July 23
- Next trust meeting
- September 2
- Rai's age
- 81
- Rival candidate
- Bajrang Lal Bagda (VHP international general secretary since February 2024)
- Acting general secretary
- Dr Krishnamohan
- Trust's July 19 action
- Deferred appointment of a new general secretary
Quotes
Swami Rajkumar Das
Head of Ramvallabhakunj and member of the Ram temple's religious committee
“"If he is cleared in all the investigations, it would be welcome if he is appointed general secretary again. It would help the functioning of the Ram temple and serve the interests of the Sanatan community."”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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