Shivraj slams Congress over Ram temple CEO appointment
Former chief minister and Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has criticised the Congress over the appointment of retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra as the first full-time CEO of the Ram Temple Trust in Ayodhya.
In a social media post, Chouhan said the Congress had immediately started its “lie machine” after the appointment of the former Air Force officer. He alleged that the opposition party had failed to recognise Mishra’s qualifications and work and had instead sought to create controversy by linking his appointment with Operation Sindoor.
Chouhan said the Congress had a tendency to see a conspiracy in every appointment, politics in every decision and controversy in every achievement. Referring to a verse from the Ramcharitmanas, he urged the party to approach Lord Ram with a sense of positivity and devotion.
The remarks came after Congress leader Rashid Alvi questioned Mishra’s appointment and asked what connection a retired Air Chief could have with the administration of the Ram Temple Trust. Alvi also questioned whether there was any “hidden truth” behind Operation Sindoor that led to Mishra being appointed CEO.
Mishra, who retired from the Indian Air Force in April 2026, has around 39 years of military experience and has served as a fighter and test pilot. He was Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor in May 2025 and received the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal for his role in the operation.
The CEO post has been created for the first time as the temple’s operations have expanded beyond construction to include management of devotees, security, maintenance, administration and multiple development projects.
The Trust received 5,585 applications for the post. A three-member committee shortlisted candidates, conducted interviews with around 16 applicants and prepared a panel of three names before the Trust selected Mishra.
His appointment comes amid a broader administrative restructuring following allegations of irregularities involving temple donations. The Trust has also appointed Govind Dev Giri as full-time general secretary and Mahesh Bhagchandka as treasurer, besides inducting three new trustees.
Mishra is expected to oversee administration, operations, coordination of projects and compliance, with improving transparency in donation and financial management emerging as a key priority.
