Punjab News: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab President and Cabinet Minister Aman Arora has demanded strict action from Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the cases of alleged theft of donations in Shri Ram Temple of Ayodhya. He said that devotees had contributed their hard-earned money and savings for the construction of the temple. In such a situation, if there has been any irregularities in donations, then there should be a fair investigation and strict action should be taken against anyone found guilty.
More than one lakh devotees wrote letters to PM Modi
During the press conference, Aman Arora told that more than one lakh Ram devotees of Punjab have written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealing to intervene in the matter and ensure accountability. According to him, these letters have come from about 22 thousand polling booths in the state.
Arora said that through these letters the devotees want that the matter should be seriously investigated and if anyone is found guilty, strict action should be taken against him. He described this appeal as a matter related to religious faith and justice.
Mentioned 105 incidents of donation theft
Referring to 105 incidents of alleged donation theft, Aman Arora said that in these cases there is mention of CCTV footage and investigation of Special Investigation Team (SIT). He raised the question that if such incidents happen again and again, then the role of those responsible for monitoring and administrative arrangements of the temple complex should also be investigated.
He demanded that the investigation should not be limited to only lower level employees. The role of senior officials and responsible people associated with the temple management should also be brought under the ambit of investigation, so that the truth of the entire matter can be revealed.
‘Betrayal of the faith of devotees will not be tolerated’
AAP Punjab chief said that lakhs of devotees from across the country contributed financially with their devotion for the construction of Shri Ram Temple. According to him, if there is any irregularity in the use of this money, then it is a matter of hurting the trust of the people who donated.
Arora said that he is raising this issue not only as the head of a political party, but as a person who understands the sentiments of Ram devotees. He appealed to the Prime Minister, the Central Government and the BJP leadership to ensure action against whoever is found guilty in the investigation, regardless of his position or influence.
Questions raised on BJP’s political role
Referring to the political importance of Shri Ram Mandir movement, Aman Arora said that the issue of temple has been important in BJP’s politics. He cited the 1996 Lok Sabha elections, when the BJP had emerged as the largest party with 161 seats.
He said that it is the responsibility of the parties doing politics on issues related to religious faith to respect the faith and contribution of the devotees. Citing the example of Shiromani Akali Dal, Arora also said that parties that get support on the basis of religious sentiments should live up to the expectations and accountability of the people.
‘Call of Ram devotees, this time donation thieves should be punished’
Aman Arora clarified that the demand of the devotees is for fair investigation, transparency and accountability. He said that every aspect related to the case should be investigated and if proven guilty, strict action should be taken against the person concerned as per law.
Reiterating his demand in the form of a slogan, he said, “Call of Ram devotees, punishment to donation thieves this time.” According to him, the devotees want that the truth should come out in the matter related to their contribution and no one responsible should get a chance to escape accountability.