BJP Leader Claims Knowledge of Ram Temple Donation Misuse, Cites Fear of Powerful Individuals

BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Wednesday claimed he was aware of alleged misuse and theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, but said he was not in a position to disclose details at present. Speaking to reporters at his residence in Vishnoharpur, Singh suggested that revealing what he knew could invite repercussions. "I am a very weak person. If I speak the truth, I will get into trouble because they are very powerful people. I do not have the courage to speak the truth right now. If the time comes, I will speak," he said. Singh did not identify the individuals he was referring to. His remarks come amid an ongoing controversy over allegations of embezzlement of donations made at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The former Wrestling Federation of India chief, who recently returned to his village after a 10-day stay in Delhi, said he had been facing several challenges in recent years. Referring to the 2023 allegations levelled against him by women wrestlers, Singh said he had been dealing with the fallout of the controversy for a long time. On reports of irregularities and paper leaks in competitive examinations, including NEET, Singh defended Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, saying his resignation would not resolve the issue. According to Singh, paper leaks are the result of an organised network involving officials and employees at multiple levels, and only strict action against those responsible can curb the problem.