Ram Mandir Trust at a Crossroads: Key Meeting Today to Decide on Top Resignations

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust meets in Ayodhya to deliberate on key administrative decisions, financial matters, and the ongoing probe into the alleged donation misappropriation case-Photo Credit-channel24india.com

Administrative overhaul, donation misappropriation probe, financial approvals, and appointment of a CEO dominate the agenda as the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust convenes a crucial meeting in Ayodhya.

Key Factors

• Trust to decide on the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Anil Mishra.
• Meeting comes amid ongoing investigations into the alleged misappropriation of temple donations.
• Future administrative structure and appointment of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) likely to be discussed.
• Unaudited financial statements and balance sheet for FY 2025–26 to be presented for approval.
• SIT’s preliminary findings on the donation controversy may be placed before the Trust.

Ayodhya: The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is holding one of its most significant meetings on Monday July 6, 2026 , with members expected to deliberate on a series of crucial administrative and financial issues, including the fate of the resignations submitted by General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Anil Mishra.

The meeting assumes added significance as it comes amid an ongoing investigation into the alleged misappropriation of donations received at the Ram Mandir. It is also the first Trust meeting to be held at Mani Ram Chhavni, the monastery of Trust President Mahant Nritya Gopal Das.

Resignation Decision Tops Agenda

According to sources, the Trust will consider whether to accept the resignations of Champat Rai and Anil Mishra, both of whom stepped down after their names surfaced during the controversy surrounding the alleged theft of temple donations.

If the resignations are formally accepted, members are expected to discuss a revised administrative framework to fill key vacancies and ensure smooth functioning of the Trust.

The role of special invitee member Gopal Rao, who has also figured in the ongoing investigation, may also come up for discussion.

Financial Review and Investigation Update

Treasurer Govind Dev Giri, who convened the meeting, is expected to place the Trust’s unaudited income and expenditure statement for the financial year 2025–26, along with the balance sheet and other financial documents, before members for approval.

An update on the preliminary findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged donation misappropriation is also likely to be presented. The Trust may review the investigation’s progress before deciding on further administrative measures.

CEO Appointment on the Cards

Another major item on the agenda is the proposal to appoint a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Ram Mandir, a move aimed at strengthening institutional management as the temple continues to attract millions of devotees annually.

The Trust currently has 11 regular members, including President Mahant Nritya Gopal Das and Treasurer Govind Dev Giri. Following the resignations of Champat Rai and Anil Mishra, along with the demise of Bimalendra Mohan Pratap Mishra, the Trust currently has no Vice-President, making organizational restructuring an important priority.

Who Will Attend?

The meeting is expected to be attended by several ex-officio members, including:

Prashant Lokhande, Additional Secretary, Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
Sanjay Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister.
Shashank Tripathi, District Magistrate of Ayodhya.
Nripendra Mishra, former Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister.

Senior trustee K. Parasaran is expected to participate via video conferencing, while Trust President Mahant Nritya Gopal Das is also likely to attend in person.

Investigation Continues

Two parallel investigations into the alleged embezzlement of temple donations are currently underway. Both the SIT and the local police have recorded statements from Champat Rai, Anil Mishra, and Gopal Rao as part of the inquiry. However, as of now, no FIR has been registered against any of them.

The outcome of today’s meeting is expected to have far-reaching implications for the governance, transparency, and future administrative structure of one of India’s most prominent religious institutions.

( Inputs from Narendra Rana , Bureau Chief Uttar Pradesh )