Nagpur: Nagpur City Congress on Thursday staged a Gandhian-style satyagraha outside Poddareshwar Ram Temple on Central Avenue, demanding an independent investigation into alleged financial irregularities involving donations received by Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya.Led by city Congress president Praful Gudadhe, party workers held the “Raghupati Raghav Rajaram” satyagraha, urging authorities to conduct a transparent probe into allegations concerning the handling of cash, gold, silver and other offerings made by devotees at the Ram temple and to take strict action against those found guilty.Congress functionaries said the allegations hurt the sentiments of crores of devotees and argued that complete transparency must be ensured in the management of funds collected in the name of Lord Ram. They maintained that Lord Ram is revered by society at large and that public trust in religious institutions must be protected through accountability.Dressed in white Gandhi caps and stoles, the protesters adopted a non-violent mode of demonstration. They presented the bhajan “Raghupati Raghav Rajaram” along with “Khara To Ekachi Dharma” and “Pasaydan”, saying the prayers symbolised truth, harmony and moral values.Addressing the media, Gudadhe questioned the functioning of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and announced that the party would lodge a police complaint against the trust’s former general secretary Champat Rai, ex-trustee Anil Mishra and treasurer Swami Govinddev Giri in connection with the alleged financial irregularities.Gudadhe said transparency and accountability in the financial affairs of religious institutions were essential and urged the Centre to clarify its stand on the issue and place the facts before the public. He added that any alleged misuse of devotees’ faith should not be tolerated.The protest was attended by Congress chief spokesperson Atul Londhe, former corporator Bunty Shelke, office-bearers of the city Congress, block presidents, former corporators, representatives of the Mahila Congress, Youth Congress, Seva Dal, NSUI and party workers.
