Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. File
| Photo Credit: PTI

Opposition leaders in Uttar Pradesh hit out at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday (July 8, 2026), claiming that the State government has completely lost its religious, cultural, political, and economic credibility in the wake of the allegations about embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav claimed that the disrepute affects Hindu devotees around the world and is leading to a withdrawal of funds by global investors.

“News of the theft of offerings and donations from the Ayodhya temple has spread worldwide. Sanatanis living in various countries are ashamed of the disrepute caused by the actions of the BJP and its allies and are also hurt because they too had sent donations to the temple or personally offered them. This incident has enraged the Sanatan community worldwide, as not only the religion but also the country is suffering disrepute due to the BJP’s unrighteousness,” Mr. Yadav said in a post on X..

”Investors around the world are now withdrawing their funds, fearing that a government that hasn’t even spared its own gods’ donation boxes will never be able to rightfully manage our investments. The BJP government has completely lost its religious, cultural, political, and economic credibility,” he added.

‘PM must accept responsibility’

The Congress also hit out at the State government for failing to take action over the matter. Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee president Ajay Rai wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding accountability.

“The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya is the supreme symbol of the faith, devotion, and cultural consciousness of millions of Indians. The historic ceremony of the temple’s construction, inauguration, and consecration was completed by your hands, and you and your government presented it to the nation as a major national achievement,” he said in his letter. “At a time when serious questions are being raised about the temple’s offerings, financial management, and administrative procedures, the people of the country naturally expect similar clarity, transparency, and accountability from you. Along with taking credit for the temple’s construction, you should also accept responsibility for the theft of offerings… In a democracy, credit for achievements and institutional accountability go hand in hand,” he added.

Mr. Rai told The Hindu that he had also sent a detailed letter to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, demanding an independent forensic and financial investigation. However, no effective action has been initiated so far, he said.

“Many government representatives and political spokespersons appear more active in media accusations and diversionary tactics against the Opposition than in answering core questions, which naturally deepens public suspicion. The Chief Minister has not taken effective action. The Uttar Pradesh government is the primary body responsible for the temple’s security, law and order, and administrative coordination. If such serious questions have been raised for a long time, they should answer immediately,” he said.

Published – July 08, 2026 04:30 pm IST