Allegations of theft involving donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya are expected to take center stage at the RSS three-day annual Akhil Bharatiya Prant Pracharak Baithak, which begins July 10 in Belagavi, Karnataka. Senior officials indicated the issue has become the organization’s top priority.
Originally planned to cover national topics such as the ongoing census, the gathering is now likely to focus heavily on the temple controversy due to its effect on the RSS public standing. Discussions may also cover the roles of certain RSS members linked to temple operations.
A senior RSS official noted that while the census and other current matters will be reviewed, the temple issue dominates attention and will receive detailed examination. The matter has affected the image of the entire Sangh Parivar, prompting widespread concern among workers and leaders who seek to limit further damage.
An RSS office-bearer from Uttar Pradesh described the situation as more harmful to public perception than earlier accusations of Hindutva-related extremism during the previous UPA government. Although those claims were widely dismissed as politically motivated, current doubts about temple funds are seen as more difficult to dispel because many associate the temple directly with the Sangh.
The Belagavi meeting will bring together province and regional in-charges along with leaders from affiliated groups. In addition to reviewing organizational growth in the centenary year, participants will consider national developments including the census.
The RSS issued its first formal response to the allegations last week. General secretary Dattatreya Hosabale stated that the reported theft had hurt public faith and expressed the organization’s strong disapproval. The statement welcomed the Uttar Pradesh government’s decision to form a special investigation team and called for thorough inquiry, improved temple management, and measures to restore confidence.
The controversy began after claims of missing funds from donation boxes prompted the temple trust to request an official probe. The episode has also led to internal debate within the broader Sangh network regarding oversight of temple affairs.
