Administrative changes planned at Ayodhya Ram Temple Trust, Nripendra Misra likely to be appointed as CEO

NEW DELHI: A move is underway to appoint retired IAS officer Nripendra Misra, who served as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s principal secretary, to a key leadership role in the Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi Trust. The development follows the creation of a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) post in the trust, reportedly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s direct involvement.

The move comes amid concerns over allegations of financial irregularities linked to the Ayodhya Ram Temple, which have posed a challenge for the BJP and the central government. Nripendra Misra had earlier served as the chairman of the Ayodhya Temple Construction Committee.

The trust is also considering a restructuring of its administrative system after General Secretary Champat Rai and trust member Anil Mishra, who are facing allegations, stepped down from their positions. Meanwhile, police conducted simultaneous raids at the houses of eight accused persons who were arrested in connection with the case. The houses of Champat Rai’s close aide Tinnu Yadav, his nephew, Manish Yadav, and Subhash Chandra Srivastava were among those searched.

Investigators also examined bank records to collect details of the accused persons’ assets. All eight accused are currently in judicial custody. Police have also started an inquiry into allegations that some vehicles entered the temple premises without proper security checks. Logbooks and registers are being examined to identify the vehicle owners.

BJP turns attention towards Mathura issue

Amid the controversy surrounding Ayodhya, the BJP is reportedly looking to highlight the Mathura Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi issue ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

The party is planning to intensify demands for the removal of a mosque located near the Shri Krishna temple in Mathura. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that a campaign similar to the one carried out for the Ram Janmabhoomi movement should be launched for Mathura. Speaking at an event in Hathras, where he inaugurated development projects, Yogi Adityanath said the focus should now shift to Mathura.