Daijiworld Media Network - Lucknow

Lucknow, Jul 6: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday alleged that an internal power struggle within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was the reason the alleged Ram Temple donation theft case was handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) instead of central agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Enforcement Directorate (ED) or the Income Tax Department.

Addressing a press conference in Lucknow, the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister claimed that the BJP has two centres of power—one in Lucknow and another in Delhi—and suggested that the investigation was influenced by competition between the two.

Referring to the alleged misuse of temple donations, Akhilesh said those responsible were unable to face public anger.

"Offerings, donations and contributions have fallen into the hands of a gang of thieves. They are unable to face the public's anger. They are afraid of public outrage, which is why they are staying indoors."

He questioned why the matter was not entrusted to central investigative agencies if the government was serious about uncovering the truth.

According to Akhilesh, the decision to constitute an SIT reflected the political dynamics within the ruling party. He argued that if agencies such as the ED, CBI or the Income Tax Department had investigated the case, the inquiry would have been under the control of the central leadership, whereas the SIT probe remained under the state government's purview.

Claiming that the issue stemmed from an internal struggle for influence, he remarked that the choice of investigating agency itself indicated where control over the inquiry lay.

The SP chief also criticised those allegedly involved in the case, saying the lure of money had led people to abandon moral values. Drawing a reference from the life of Lord Ram, he said everyone was aware of the concept of the "Lakshman Rekha" and accused those involved of crossing the limits of propriety and ethical conduct.

The BJP, however, strongly rejected Akhilesh Yadav's allegations and accused the Opposition of attempting to politicise a matter connected with religious faith.

Responding to the remarks, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak described the alleged donation theft as unfortunate but alleged that the Samajwadi Party and the Congress had consistently opposed the construction of the Ram Temple.

Pathak claimed both parties had previously questioned whether Lord Ram's birthplace had been established and argued against the temple during legal proceedings before the Supreme Court.

He further asserted that the Congress and the Samajwadi Party had no moral authority to comment on issues related to the Ram Temple, accusing them of repeatedly making statements against Lord Ram and attempting to undermine Sanatan Dharma. He said the people of the country were aware of their past positions and would judge them accordingly.