Dehradun, July 8 (IANS). Khatima MLA Vinod Kapri launched a scathing attack on the government over alleged irregularities in Ram Mandir Trust and religious institutions. He alleged that the BJP has been playing politics of collecting donations in the name of Lord Ram and Ram temple for years while attempts were made to cover up the controversies and alleged corruption in religious institutions.
Speaking to IANS in Dehradun, Vinod Kapri said, “Allegations of alleged financial irregularities in the land purchase case related to the Ram Mandir Trust had already come to light. They claimed that the land which was initially purchased at a low price, was sold to the trust after some time at many times higher price. At that time also many saints and religious leaders had raised questions but the BJP, Sangh and Vishwa Hindu Parishad did not take these allegations seriously.”
Referring to the recent incidents of theft, he said, “If there have been several incidents of theft in 40 days and even old records are not available, then it is a very serious matter. Those who came to power in the name of Lord Ram are now raising questions on the arrangements of the Ram temple.”
Vinod Kapri also mentioned the major religious places of Uttarakhand. He said, “Baba Badri-Kedar is the center of faith all over the world, but there too, disputes allegedly related to gold and other items have come to light.”
Apart from this, citing the incidents of theft in Badrinath Dham, he said that instead of fixing accountability on these matters, the concerned officials are demanding extension of their tenure.
MLA Kapri alleged, “BJP does politics in the name of religion but is not serious in ensuring the security and transparency of religious faith and temples. If other religious trusts are also investigated impartially, many irregularities may come to light.”
He also alleged, “The BJP government works to protect the big influential people by showing action against the small level people. Be it the case of counterfeiting mafia, mining mafia or paddy mafia, the government avoids taking strict action against the influential people.”
He demanded a fair and transparent investigation into religious trusts and matters related to them.
–IANS
SCH/PM