Champat Rai supports new Ram Temple management despite resignation, says trust treasurer

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust treasurer Govind Dev Giri said former general secretary Champat Rai is not upset over stepping down from his post and is fully supportive of the new temple management system being introduced following the alleged donation embezzlement case.

Speaking to reporters in Ayodhya, Giri said he met Rai on Wednesday to enquire about his health and discuss recent developments. "He is healthy, solution-oriented and has no misgivings about his resignation," Giri said, adding that Rai is backing the reforms being implemented by the trust.

Rai's resignation, along with that of trustee Anil Mishra, was accepted during the trust's meeting on July 6. A day later, Rai said he would respond to allegations against him only after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) submits its final report into the alleged donation theft.

Giri reiterated that the trust is committed to strengthening its administrative system to prevent future irregularities. He also said that seers in Ayodhya have welcomed the proposed reforms and support the new management structure.

Former Indian Foreign Service officer and trustee Krishna Mohan has replaced Rai as the trust's general secretary. The trust has also constituted a three-member panel to identify a new Chief Executive Officer as part of broader governance reforms.

The controversy began in June after alleged irregularities were detected in the counting of donations at the Ram Temple. Following the trust's recommendation, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted an SIT, which found prima facie evidence of embezzlement. An FIR has been registered, eight people linked to the donation-counting process have been arrested, and the investigation is continuing.