Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Ram Temple Trust Appoints Three Members Amid Donation Controversy
The trust managing the Ram Temple has chosen three new members.
They are Mahesh Bhagchandka, Madan Mohan Pandey and Nirmala Yadav.
Reports say one of them is related to former VHP leader Ashok Singhal.
The trust is also choosing its first chief executive officer, or CEO.
Three people are reportedly being considered for that job.
More than 5,500 people applied.
The changes come after allegations of temple donation embezzlement.
Eight people were arrested, and Champat Rai resigned as General Secretary.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust appointed three new members on Wednesday.
The appointees are Mahesh Bhagchandka, Madan Mohan Pandey and Nirmala Yadav.
One new trustee is reportedly related to former Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Ashok Singhal.
The Trust is considering three candidates for its first temple administration CEO post.
The appointments follow a donation controversy that led to eight arrests and Champat Rai’s resignation as General Secretary.
- Who
- The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust appointed Mahesh Bhagchandka, Madan Mohan Pandey and Nirmala Yadav as new trustees.
- What
- The Trust appointed three members and is preparing to select its first CEO for temple administration.
- When
- The appointments were announced on Wednesday; the article does not provide a date.
- Where
- The Trust’s meeting was reportedly taking place at the Ram Temple complex in Ayodhya.
- Why
- The appointments and CEO selection come after a controversy over alleged temple donation embezzlement and demands to overhaul management.
- New trustees
- Mahesh Bhagchandka, Madan Mohan Pandey and Nirmala Yadav
- Trust
- Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust
- CEO candidates
- Rajesh Pandey, Yogeshwar Ram Mishra and Paresh Saxena
- CEO applications
- More than 5,500 people reportedly applied
- Donation controversy
- Alleged embezzlement of temple donations
- Arrests
- Eight people were arrested
- Leadership change
- Champat Rai resigned as General Secretary