Ram Temple trust treasurer denies resignation, blames SBI

The treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has firmly denied any intention to resign, dismissing widespread media reports of his impending departure as "completely false" and "malicious." Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj made the statement during a press conference in Pune on July 15, directly addressing speculation that he would step down following an alleged theft of cash donations from the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Giri Maharaj stated he felt compelled to clarify his position after national media reports on July 14 claimed he was planning to resign. He asserted he has neither contemplated stepping down nor faces any pressure to do so, invoking the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to declare that abandoning responsibility during a crisis was not part of his values. He also highlighted his simple personal circumstances, noting he owns virtually no property, in an apparent effort to counter speculation about his integrity.

While rejecting calls for his resignation, Giri Maharaj acknowledged the incident had deeply shaken the Trust, describing it as a hurt to the faith of millions of devotees and a conspiracy against their devotion. He confirmed that a meeting...