Lucknow: The newly appointed Congress’ UP in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam on Thursday accused the BJP and the RSS of shielding the “real culprits” behind the alleged irregularities in the Ayodhya Ram Temple donation case.Alleging that those involved in the construction of the temple had “taken a 40% commission”, Gautam said BJP govt was protecting influential people while targeting Congress netas who raised the issue.“The BJP has not even spared devotees and their offerings… Infamous for their bulldozer action against alleged offenders, UP govt must follow the same standard to those accused in the temple donation case,” he told reporters.He further alleged that bulldozer action was focused only the poor, backward classes and Muslims.He also accused the BJP and RSS of harbouring hostile sentiments towards Dalits and adivasis.“Former President Ram Nath Kovind and current President Droupadi Murmu were not invited to the Ram Temple foundation ceremony because they belonged to Dalit and tribal communities,” he alleged.Gautam alleged that the Election Commission and investigative agencies were functioning under political influence.He also questioned the use of bulldozer action against accused persons, saying punishment was the prerogative of the judiciary and govts should act in accordance with constitutional principles.Gautam also accused the BJP of using religion for political gain and claimed that issues such as unemployment, examination paper leaks and rising educational costs had worsened under the present dispensation.Drawing a contrast with previous Congress govts, he alleged that recruitment examinations were conducted without widespread leak controversies and that students had better access to educational opportunities.Referring to recent protests by Congress netas over the Ayodhya donation issue, Gautam alleged that party workers were being prevented from raising questions about the case and were subjected to restrictions.On Congress’ organisational plans, Gautam said the party would prepare its Uttar Pradesh organisation within a month and strengthen its grassroots network ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.Claiming that only the Congress could defeat the BJP, he said the party would contest on the plank of equality and respect. He expressed confidence that Congress would oust the BJP from power in UP in 2027 and help bring Rahul Gandhi to power at the Centre in 2029.
