RSS breaks silence, seeks accountability in Ram Temple row

Calling the incident extraordinary, the RSS urges restraint among devotees, urging Hindus to remain united as investigations continue

RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale on Friday expressed concern over the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, saying the incident has affected the faith of devotees and the wider society. In the organisation’s first formal response to the controversy, Hosabale issued a detailed statement on X, describing the theft from the donation boxes as a serious act that calls for immediate corrective action and strict accountability.

“We are all pained and angered by this event,” he said. Hosabale’s words reflect the collective sentiment of millions of devotees who view the temple not merely as a place of worship but as a symbol of centuries-old faith, struggle and sacrifice. He stressed that the incident has shaken the trust of ordinary Hindus who have contributed selflessly to the temple’s construction and upkeep over the years. By highlighting the emotional impact on “the entire society and Ram devotees,” he underscored that the issue goes beyond financial loss and touches the very core of religious sentiment.

The RSS second-in-command made it clear that the organisation expects the Hindu community to rise above anger and focus on preserving the sanctity of the temple rather than allowing external elements to create division. He cautioned that anti-Hindu and anti-national forces are actively seeking to exploit this unfortunate episode to malign Hinduism. In a clear call for unity, he urged all Hindus to display patience and restraint so that such conspiracies can be effectively thwarted.

Asserting that the entire Hindu society, including the RSS, expects the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to treat the matter with utmost seriousness, he described it as an “extraordinary” incident. He called upon the trust to take effective steps to rectify all shortcomings in the management and operations of the temple. This, he said, is crucial to ensure that the faith and reverence of crores of Ram devotees in the Ayodhya temple remain “unbroken and steadfast.”

He welcomed the Uttar Pradesh Government’s constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), noting that it was done at the request of the trust. He emphasised that anyone found guilty after a thorough investigation must face “severe punishment.” The RSS leader stressed that the current state of confusion and uncertainty must end so devotees can once again offer their prayers with complete peace of mind.

Hosabale framed accountability as essential to the long-term credibility of the temple administration. He also highlighted the historical and emotional significance of the temple. “The grand temple constructed at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi has become a centre of reverence, faith and devotion for all Hindus owing to the struggles of generations and the dedication, sacrifice and martyrdom of crores of Ram devotees,” he said.

Concluding on a forward-looking note, Hosabale expressed confidence in the Trust’s ability to move ahead. “We are confident that through proper financial management, flawless and transparent operational systems, and an atmosphere imbued with purity, sanctity and true dharmikta, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will continue to strengthen the faith and trust of Hindu society,” he said.

His statement combines criticism of lapses with a message of hope and expectation for systemic improvement. The RSS response has been viewed as measured yet firm, balancing concern for devotees’ sentiments with a call for restraint and institutional reform.

It is natural for the entire Hindu society, including the RSS, to expect the Trust to treat this highly condemnable incident as an extraordinary matter and take effective steps to rectify all shortcomings in temple management - Dattatreya Hosabale, RSS GENERAL SECRETARY