Patna: The alleged theft of donations meant for the Ram temple at Ayodhya drew sharp political reactions in Bihar on Friday with NDA ally JD(U), the RJD and the BJP presenting their respective positions. While JD(U) sought strict action if any irregularities had taken place, the RJD questioned the investigation, and the BJP said prompt action had already been initiated after the matter came to light.Talking to the reporters on Friday, JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said devotees had donated money with faith for the construction of the Ram temple and reports of the alleged misuse of donations had raised serious concerns.“If any irregularities has taken place, then action must be taken against the culprits… Kewal FIR karne se kam nahin chalega (Merely filing an FIR won’t suffice),” Kumar said.Describing the alleged irregularities as playing with the sentiments of devotees, Kumar said whoever was found responsible should face action. “Jo bhi doshi ho wo bache nahin,” he said.The RJD also criticised the alleged irregularities, saying they had hurt the sentiments of Hindus who had contributed generously towards the construction of the temple.“They didn’t spare the God with whose name they do politics,” RJD spokesperson Chitranjan Gagan said. Alleging that while some accused had been arrested, others had been spared, he added, “Small fries have been caught while big fishes involved in the theft are being spared,” while demanding action against all those responsible.RJD’s Rohini Acharya also questioned the scope of the FIR and alleged that those responsible for managing the temple had not been named.“It’s surprising that in the Ram Temple donation theft case, an FIR has indeed been registered, but the big names — those responsible for the temple management — haven’t been named in it. Does the ladder of investigation and justice not reach the top? Is it an FIR or an eyewash?” Rohini asked.She further alleged that the FIR included only smaller names while the real culprits had been left out. “When it comes to accountability and pinning down guilt, the biggest question that arises is: Why were those entrusted with the temple’s management, who sat as its supreme overseers, kept outside the legal net? If responsibility lies at the top, then why doesn’t accountability start from there?” she asked.Responding to the developments, BJP spokesperson Manoj Sharma said the matter related to a trust where the govt did not interfere, but action was taken immediately after the alleged irregularities came to light.“This is a matter related to a Trust where the govt doesn’t interfere but as soon as the matter came to its notice, the govt formed an SIT and arrests took place,” Sharma said on Friday.He added that parties which had “opened fire on people in the name of religion” had no moral right to comment on the issue.
