New Delhi : Congress President and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Tuesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to appear in Parliament, saying the government should allow a discussion on allegations concerning the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and the recent police action against students.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Kharge said the Opposition wanted Parliament to function and discuss issues of public importance.
“My request is that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah come to the House to allow it to function. We want to discuss,” he said.
Raises Allegations Over Ram Temple Trust
Kharge referred to what he described as serious allegations regarding the alleged misappropriation of valuable offerings, cash donations, land purchases, and management within the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
He said the matter concerns the faith of millions of devotees and noted that the trust was constituted by the Central Government, with its formation announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament.
According to Kharge, the Centre has handed over more than 70 acres of land to the Trust, and the Prime Minister has participated in major events associated with the Ram Temple project, including the Bhoomi Pujan and the Pran Pratishtha (consecration ceremony).
The Congress leader argued that, given the government’s association with the Trust, the Prime Minister should respond to the allegations in Parliament.
Kharge also questioned the role of central investigative agencies, asking where the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the Income Tax Department were in relation to the allegations.
He further alleged that those who “loot in the name of Lord Ram” should apologise to the country and stop misleading the public.
Calls for Discussion in Both Houses
Speaking to the media outside Parliament, Kharge reiterated the Opposition’s demand for a debate in both Houses.
He said the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and the Speaker of the Lok Sabha should permit discussions on both the allegations relating to the Ram Temple Trust and the police action against students.
According to Kharge, an open discussion would allow the truth to emerge, while alleging that the government appeared reluctant to debate the issues.
He also criticised the absence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah from the House, alleging that his non-attendance either reflected fear or amounted to disrespect towards Parliament.
Government Yet to Respond
At the time of filing this report, the Central Government had not issued an official response to the allegations and demands made by the Congress leader.