UP Congress chief Ajay Rai claims ‘arrest’ in Ayodhya ahead of Ram temple visit amid donation row

Amid the ongoing controversy over alleged financial irregularities linked to Ram Janmabhoomi temple donations, Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai on Tuesday claimed that he was detained by police after reaching Ayodhya with a party delegation to offer prayers at the Ram temple.

The Uttar Pradesh Congress also alleged that Rai was placed under house arrest in Ayodhya, calling the move a “cowardly attempt” by the state government.

Rai was reportedly stopped at the guest house of Kumarganj Agriculture University, located around 60 km from Ayodhya. Raebareli MP Kishori Lal Sharma was stopped near Ayodhya, while Barabanki MP Tanuj Punia was detained in Barabanki, according to the party.

The Congress delegation had planned to visit Ayodhya amid the ongoing probe into the alleged temple donation case and interact with local residents.

Rai criticised the Uttar Pradesh government in a post on X, accusing it of trying to prevent the visit out of fear over the controversy.

He alleged that the police action showed “dictatorship” and questioned why the government was stopping Congress leaders from visiting the temple.

Congress claims more leaders detained

The Congress also alleged that Pratapgarh district president Neeraj Tripathi, who was accompanying Rai, was detained by police.

In another post on X, the Uttar Pradesh Congress questioned the action against its leaders and said preventing people from visiting the Ram temple was unconstitutional.

The party asked why visiting the temple for prayers had become an issue and accused the BJP-led state government of using police action to stop its delegation.

Donation case probe continues

The political clash comes as the investigation into alleged embezzlement of Ram temple donations continues.

On Monday, a local court in Ayodhya sent all accused persons in the alleged donation case to 14 days of judicial custody as police continued their investigation into claims of financial irregularities and misuse of funds connected with the Ram Mandir.

Family members of some accused persons also visited Ayodhya District Jail to meet them after the court order.

The case has now become a major political issue in Uttar Pradesh, with the ruling BJP and opposition parties trading accusations while the Special Investigation Team (SIT) continues its probe.