Lucknow, July 8: Manoj Kumar Paras, the MLA from the Nagina assembly constituency in Uttar Pradesh, has raised questions regarding the Ram Temple donation controversy and several related issues. He criticized the functioning of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, stating that the recent theft incident at the temple has hurt the religious sentiments of millions and accountability must be established.
He emphasized that the matter at hand is of utmost importance to millions of devotees. The theft at the Ram Temple is a serious issue, raising concerns about the failure of those responsible for its management. He noted that various sections of society played significant roles in the temple’s construction, but they were not adequately represented when the Trust was formed. Coming from a scheduled community himself, he pointed out that many from the Dalit and backward classes actively contributed to the Ram Temple movement, yet none were included in the Trust.
Paras stated that when individuals are appointed to oversee an institution or property, they bear full responsibility. Therefore, if such incidents occur at the temple, accountability lies with those who were appointed as Trust members and tasked with managing the temple.
Defending the stance of the Samajwadi Party, Paras asserted that there is no difference between the party’s words and actions. Neither former Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav nor Akhilesh Yadav ever opposed the construction of the Ram Temple. He clarified that the entire matter was linked to a court decision, and it was the government’s responsibility to implement the Supreme Court’s ruling. He added that ensuring security at the disputed site before the verdict was a constitutional obligation of the then-government, which was fulfilled.
Targeting the BJP, Paras remarked that as issues related to donations and offerings at the temple surface, the party attempts to evade responsibility by blaming the opposition. He raised concerns about the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe, stating that typically, an FIR is registered first, followed by an investigation. However, in this case, the SIT was formed before the FIR was filed, suggesting that the government is manipulating legal and constitutional processes for its convenience.
In response to a letter from former Trust General Secretary Champat Rai, Paras questioned when Rai would speak publicly, suggesting that he might currently be restrained from making statements and would likely be instructed to speak after the investigation concludes.
On comments made by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel regarding love marriages, Paras offered a measured response, stating that he prefers not to elaborate on the matter. He emphasized that the Constitution sets the age of adulthood, and everyone should act in accordance with that constitutional framework, deeming further comments unnecessary.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.