Patna: The alleged theft of donations meant for the Ram temple at Ayodhya triggered political reactions in Bihar on Friday with NDA ally JD(U), the RJD and the BJP responding to the developments. While JD(U) and the RJD sought strict action if any irregularities are established, the BJP said prompt steps had already been taken after the matter came to light.JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said devotees had contributed generously towards the construction of the Ram temple and any alleged misuse of donations should be dealt with firmly.“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 issue as one involving the sentiments of devotees, he added, “Jo bhi doshi ho wo bache nahin.”The RJD also demanded action against those responsible. Party spokesperson Chitranjan Gagan alleged the incident had hurt the sentiments of devotees and questioned whether all those involved would be brought to book.“They didn’t spare the God with whose name they do politics,” Gagan said, alleging that while some people had been arrested, others responsible were yet to face action.RJD’s Rohini Acharya also questioned the scope of the FIR. “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?” she asked.Responding to the criticism, BJP spokesperson Manoj Sharma said the matter related to a trust and not the govt. He said the authorities acted promptly 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.He also criticised opposition parties over their remarks, saying those who had “opened fire on people in the name of religion” had no moral right to comment on the issue.
