Archive · 1 Oct 2026
RSS Steps Up Ayodhya Seer Outreach Amid Temple Donation Row
The Ram temple in Ayodhya is facing a controversy about how donations were handled.
Some local religious leaders, called seers, have questioned the temple’s management.
The RSS and other groups connected with the temple movement are now meeting more seers.
They want to understand the seers’ concerns and keep communication open.
The investigation found 105 cases in which cash was allegedly taken away without permission, based on CCTV footage.
A chargesheet was filed against eight people.
These discussions are happening before the 2027 Uttar Pradesh elections.
The groups also want seers to take part in programmes across the state.
RSS and other Sangh Parivar organisations have increased meetings with Ayodhya’s seers ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
The outreach follows allegations of donation theft and criticism of the Ram temple management from sections of the saint community.
An investigation identified 105 instances of unauthorised cash removal on CCTV, and a chargesheet was filed against eight accused.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad is preparing a gathering of seers around Pratishtha Dwadashi to discuss temple-related issues and the wider Ram temple movement.
The BJP’s 2024 defeat in the Faizabad Lok Sabha constituency has prompted closer scrutiny of Ayodhya’s political and religious dynamics.
- Who
- The RSS, other Sangh Parivar organisations, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, and Ayodhya’s seers are involved; investigators have charged eight people in the donation case.
- What
- The RSS and allied organisations are intensifying outreach to Ayodhya’s religious leaders amid alleged donation irregularities and concerns about temple administration.
- When
- The outreach is taking place ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, with a proposed gathering around Pratishtha Dwadashi.
- Where
- Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, with possible seer participation in programmes across the state.
- Why
- The organisations seek to address seers’ concerns, maintain dialogue, explain their position on the temple controversy, and respond to political concerns after the BJP lost the Faizabad seat in 2024.
Critics and Concerned Seers
RSS and Sangh Parivar Outreach
Temple administration
Critics and Concerned Seers
Some Ayodhya saints have raised questions about the functioning of the temple trust and expressed concern over the donation controversy.
RSS and Sangh Parivar Outreach
The RSS and allied organisations are meeting seers to understand concerns, maintain dialogue, and explain their position on temple-related issues.
Response to donation allegations
Critics and Concerned Seers
The controversy has increased scrutiny of how temple donations were handled, with an investigation reporting 105 unauthorised cash-removal instances on CCTV.
RSS and Sangh Parivar Outreach
The Sangh Parivar is focusing on communication and outreach while the investigation and organisational changes proceed.
Political engagement
Critics and Concerned Seers
The BJP’s defeat in the Faizabad constituency and continuing saint discontent have highlighted dissatisfaction within sections of Ayodhya’s religious community.
RSS and Sangh Parivar Outreach
The RSS and Vishwa Hindu Parishad are considering involving seers in programmes across Uttar Pradesh ahead of the 2027 election.
- Election focus
- The outreach is occurring ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
- Investigation finding
- The Special Investigation Team identified 105 instances of unauthorised cash removal on CCTV.
- Chargesheet
- The SIT filed a chargesheet against eight accused.
- Named witnesses
- Former trust general secretary Champat Rai and former trustee Anil Mishra were named as witnesses.
- Temple trust changes
- Champat Rai and Anil Mishra resigned from the trust, followed by an organisational overhaul.
- Political backdrop
- The BJP lost the Faizabad Lok Sabha constituency in the 2024 general election.
- Planned gathering
- The Vishwa Hindu Parishad is preparing a major gathering of seers around Pratishtha Dwadashi.