Ram Temple donation row will lead to BJP’s downfall, claims Ashok Gehlot in Chennai

Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Sunday claimed that widespread public anger over the alleged theft of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple will lead to the NDA government's downfall, calling the issue a massive nationwide concern

Chennai: Senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot launched a scathing attack on the Uttar Pradesh BJP government on Sunday over the alleged theft of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple, asserting that public anger over the issue will lead to the ruling dispensation’s downfall.

Speaking to reporters here, Gehlot termed the alleged scam a “massive issue” and said it has triggered outrage across the country. People from all sections and villages had contributed to the temple years ago, and their sentiments have now been deeply hurt.

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“When the matter of theft came to light, the sentiments of people in every village were hurt. There is immense anger. This will sink them,” Gehlot, who was visiting the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee headquarters here said.

If the NDA government loses power, the central reason will be the alleged theft at the Ram Temple, he said.

The veteran Congress leader alleged that the misappropriation of gold and silver was carried out in a highly organised manner on a massive scale.

He accused those in power of being “complicit,” questioning why the theft was not stopped.

“They knew the theft was taking place…why didn’t you stop it? Because you yourselves were involved. It has become a massive issue and it will cause them severe damage,” he alleged.

Shifting focus to the broader political landscape, Gehlot claimed that democracy in the country is in grave danger and praised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for fighting to protect it.

He appealed to the youth to step forward to safeguard democratic institutions.

Gehlot also slammed what he described as “political instability,” and further alleged “hooliganism” in West Bengal and the “horse-trading” of MPs and MLAs in Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Punjab.

These have become major issues that will further contribute to the government’s exit, he claimed.