Archive · 3 Sep 2026
New Ram Temple Trust Appointments Draw VHP Praise Amid Controversy
The group managing the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has chosen several new leaders.
Jeetendra Mishra will be the trust’s first chief executive officer.
Govind Dev Giri will serve as general secretary, and Mahesh Bhagchandka will be treasurer.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad welcomed these appointments.
Its leader, Alok Kumar, said the new members have useful experience.
He said this could make the trust work more efficiently and transparently.
The changes happened while there were allegations about temple donations being misused.
Eight people accused in that matter were arrested.
Kumar also welcomed two new trustees, Madan Mohan Pandey and Nirmala Yadav.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust appointed Jeetendra Mishra as its first chief executive officer.
Govind Dev Giri was appointed general secretary and Mahesh Bhagchandka was named treasurer.
VHP president Alok Kumar said the new appointees’ experience would improve the trust’s efficiency and transparency.
The appointments came amid allegations of temple-donation misappropriation and the arrest of eight accused individuals.
Alok Kumar also welcomed Madan Mohan Pandey and Nirmala Yadav as trustees, citing their legal and social contributions.
- Who
- The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust appointed Jeetendra Mishra, Govind Dev Giri and Mahesh Bhagchandka to key posts, while Madan Mohan Pandey and Nirmala Yadav were welcomed as trustees by VHP president Alok Kumar.
- What
- The trust made new leadership and trustee appointments for the organization overseeing the Ram Temple’s construction.
- When
- The appointments were announced on Wednesday; the VHP statement was dated September 2, 2026.
- Where
- Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Why
- The VHP said the appointees’ experience would make the trust more effective, efficient and transparent, amid allegations involving temple donations.
Trust Supporters
Concerns Over Trust Management
Effect of the appointments
Trust Supporters
VHP president Alok Kumar said the appointees’ experience would help complete the Ram Temple more efficiently and make the trust’s functioning more effective and transparent.
Concerns Over Trust Management
The appointments occurred amid allegations of temple-donation misappropriation, with eight accused individuals reportedly arrested and former officeholders stepping down.
Representation and leadership
Trust Supporters
Kumar praised the appointments as strengthening leadership, recognizing contributions to the Ram Janmabhoomi legal movement and increasing representation of sections of Hindu society, including women.
Concerns Over Trust Management
The reported resignations and allegations have raised concerns about the trust’s previous administration, although the articles do not provide responses from the accused or independent findings.
- Organization
- Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust
- Chief executive officer
- Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (retired), described as the trust’s first CEO
- General secretary
- Govind Dev Giri, the trust’s former treasurer
- Treasurer
- Mahesh Bhagchandka
- Additional trustees welcomed
- Advocate Madan Mohan Pandey and Nirmala Yadav
- Related controversy
- The appointments followed allegations of temple-donation misappropriation; eight accused individuals were arrested
- VHP position
- Alok Kumar said the new members’ experience would improve the trust’s effectiveness and transparency