AamAadmiParty and Samajwadi Party believe that land sale in Ayodhya is a scam

The purchase of land in Ayodhya by the Shri Ram JanmabhoomiTeerthKshetra, which was established by the Centre last year following a Supreme Court judgment, has sparked controversy. The Samajwadi Party (SP) and the AamAadmi Party (AAP) have accused the Ram Mandir Trust of corruption in the procurement of the land in March of this year.

The allegations have been denied by the Ram JanmabhoomiTeerthKshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai, who claims they are politically motivated. The claims have political ramifications, as Uttar Pradesh is set to hold assembly elections in February and March of next year.

In a public interview in Lucknow, Sanjay Singh, AAP's in-control for Uttar Pradesh, and a Member of Parliament said "The real estate parcel in Ayodhya is enlisted with number 243, 244, and 246. Its worth is Rs 5.80 crore. It was bought from Kusum Pathak and Harish Pathak by Sultan Ansari and Ravi Mohan Tiwari for Rs 2 crore. The buy had two observers — Anil Mishra, an individual from the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust, and Rishikesh Upadhyay, who is the Mayor of Ayodhya. It was bought at 7.10 pm. In the following five minutes, a similar land was purchased by Ram Janmabhoomi Trust and ChampatRai for Rs 18.5 crore from Ansari and Tiwari. Rs 17 crore was moved through RTGS."

Sanjay Singh of the AAP alleged that the stamp papers for the first transaction were purchased at 5.11 p.m., and the stamp papers for the second purchase were purchased at 5.22 p.m. He urged that the CBI or the ED look into it because it involves the religious beliefs of millions of people.

“Allegations (of fraud) are deceptive and fueled by political animosity. “All of the lands that Shri Ram JanmabhoomiTeerthKshetra has bought so far have been obtained at a significantly lower price than the open market price,” said Champat Rai, the trust's general secretary.

“I shall study the matter,” stated Champat Rai, Secretary of the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust, in response to the claim. At this time, I shall remain silent. I'm not bothered by accusations.” Rishikesh Upadhyay, the mayor of Ayodhya, said he would not comment on the charges. He stated that only the Trust will make any statements.

“Till March 31, we have deposited nearly Rs 3,200 crore in the banks,” Champat Rai said at the Trust meeting on Sunday. Over 4 crore people contributed Rs 10 apiece, while just under 4 crore people gave Rs 100 apiece. Others made donations of Rs 1,000 or more. Direct bank transfer was used to collect Rs 80 crore.