UP Congress Chief Ajay Rai Under House Arrest Ahead of Ayodhya Visit

Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee chief Ajay Rai has been placed under house arrest in Ayodhya ahead of a scheduled party delegation visit. The move follows intensifying political friction surrounding allegations of financial irregularities involving Ram Mandir donations. Congress members describe the police action as a repressive measure intended to prevent the party from raising questions about the management of temple funds.

The detention coincides with a broader political controversy where senior Congress leaders, including Kapil Sibal, have launched strong verbal attacks against the Bharatiya Janata Party over alleged misappropriation of temple donations. Critics argue the investigation into the matter is an eyewash, while the local administration maintains that restrictions are necessary to maintain peace in the sensitive town of Ayodhya. The tension has led to Ayodhya lawyers refusing to represent the accused, further polarizing local reactions.

The incident highlights the growing confrontation between the Congress and the ruling establishment over the governance of the Ram Temple Trust. With the Supreme Court recently declining an urgent plea to secure digital evidence related to the donation row, political parties are increasingly using public forums to press their case. The house arrest of Ajay Rai is likely to fuel further protest demonstrations, as the Congress party positions this as an attempt to stifle transparency regarding temple finances.