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The Sangh Parivar is neither ready to abide by Hindu religious norms nor to uphold constitutional principles. In fact, it wholeheartedly rejects ‘Indian morality’, if such a thing exists. That is why, despite proclaiming itself guardian and protector of all Hindus, it has failed to safeguard funds intended for its own ‘magnificent Ram temple’.

On June 26, reports surfaced from Ayodhya that Champat Rai, general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and another trustee, Anil Mishra, had resigned. This information was unconfirmed for some time, and the trust then said the resignations would be deliberated upon in its meeting on July 11.

Many were left incredulous. Ever since the donations scandal surfaced, they had clung to the hope that – if not willingly, then at least after facing a wave of public shaming – these individuals (and other trustees) would feel a sense of duty or guilt. But appealing to their conscience seemed to be a futile exercise.

Still, there was some hope that they would step forward to admit, if not their direct involvement in the embezzlement, at least their failure to safeguard devotees’ donations. Many had hoped that, as an act of atonement, the trustees would step down, paving the way for an impartial and credible investigation.

After all, they must surely know that their positions on the trust grant them power to influence the investigation as well as tamper with evidence. A fair inquiry cannot take place until they remain trustees, which also defeats Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath’s pledge to ‘separate the wheat from the chaff’ – reveal the complete truth about the affair.

This is especially relevant since the allegations extend beyond merely embezzling donations. There are also charges of corruption and kickbacks related to the purchase of land and construction materials for the temple. In this scenario, the most probable outcome of their remaining in office is obvious: It was nearly three weeks after the theft came to light that First Information Reports (FIR) were filed against a few minor players, while the “big fish” remain “unnamed”.

Dismantling of the moral ground

Public astonishment was indeed justified. Going by reports, Champat Rai and Anil Mishra did not acknowledge the immense pressure they were under (a result of the internal turmoil among the “heroes” of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) since news of the embezzlement broke. Instead, they resigned reluctantly and belatedly, still claiming to hold the moral ground. By that point, they had no moral standing left to speak of.

They had already compromised their moral authority by failing to file a timely FIR regarding the embezzlement and by seeking refuge in the state government’s Special Investigation Team (SIT). In fact, their only remaining option was to attempt to salvage their reputation and their resignations offered that pretext.

Also read: Ram Temple Funds Theft Case Deals the RSS One of Its Biggest-Ever Blows in Its Centenary Year

Meanwhile, the trust’s treasurer, Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, failed even at this attempt at damage control. Despite the massive financial losses incurred by the trust during his tenure, he chose only to confirm these two had offered their resignations instead of offering to step down himself.

Those well-acquainted with the workings of the Sangh Parivar, its affiliate organisations and the governments controlled by them felt absolutely no surprise at this sequence of events.

And how could they be surprised? Forget history, they have seen the current regime – the patron and driving force behind the trust and its trustees – consistently shifting its moral stance over the last twelve years. Whenever a situation became inconvenient, the government either........

© The Wire