Champat Rai is a veteran Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader and one of the most prominent figures associated with the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. He served as the General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust from its formation in 2020 until his resignation in 2026. For decades, he was regarded as the organisational face of the Ram temple campaign and played a central role in mobilising support for the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
Born on November 18, 1946, in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, Rai began his career as a chemistry lecturer at RSM Degree College before joining the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He was arrested during the Emergency (1975-77) and spent around 18 months in jail. After his release, he left academics to become a full-time RSS pracharak and later joined the VHP in 1980, eventually rising to become its International Vice President.
Rai emerged as a key organiser of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He was closely associated with the mobilisation of kar sevaks and has long been known among supporters as the "Encyclopaedia of Ayodhya" for his detailed knowledge of the temple town, its history and the legal dispute over the Ram Janmabhoomi site.
Following the Supreme Court's 2019 verdict clearing the way for the construction of the Ram Mandir, Rai was appointed General Secretary of the temple trust. He oversaw the temple's construction, fundraising campaigns and administrative affairs. In 2026, Rai resigned, taking moral responsibility after allegations surfaced over the embezzlement of temple donation funds.
A major political debate has broken out over the appointment of retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra as the Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
A major political debate has broken out over the appointment of retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra as the Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The discussion features sharp exchanges between Bharatiya Janata Party national spokesperson Sanju Varma, Congress spokesperson Pankhuri Pathak, political analyst Ashutosh, and political commentator Sujata Pandey. Congress leaders raised questions regarding the administrative appointment and demanded a forensic audit into allegations of financial misappropriation and donation theft. Defending the appointment, the BJP and panelists emphasized the decorated military career of the former Western Air Command chief and accused the opposition of double standards by highlighting unresolved financial irregularities at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. Panelists also debated the scope of authority granted to the new CEO to restore institutional transparency and devotee confidence.
A major political row has erupted over the appointment of retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra as the first Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Ram Temple Trust. The Congress party questioned the decision, arguing that the CEO post should belong to saints, while Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Congress ally Indian Union Muslim League also criticised the move over donation allegations. In response, the Bharatiya Janata Party defended the appointment, asserting that the new administrator will manage operations professionally. Speaking to India Today, retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra stated that he felt gratitude for the opportunity and expressed confidence that managerial principles and support from the trust and his team would help him fulfill his duties. Mishra, who served in the Indian Air Force for nearly four decades and led operations including Operation Safed Sagar and Operation Sindoor, noted that he looks forward to guidance from the trust to plan and execute future strategies.
A major political row has erupted between the opposition and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party following the appointment of retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra as the first Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust amid controversy surrounding alleged donation irregularities. The Congress party questioned the appointment, alleging the post belongs to saints and claiming the government is attempting to bury the issue. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Congress ally IUML also criticised the government over the move. Defending the decision, the BJP stated that the newly appointed CEO will bring transparency and reform the temple administration. Speaking to India Today, retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, stating his commitment to fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to him. Mishra, an Ati Vishisht Seva Medal awardee and former Western Air Command chief who led during Operation Sindoor, retired after nearly four decades in the Indian Air Force.
A political controversy has erupted following the appointment of a retired Indian Air Force officer as Chief Executive Officer of the Ram Mandir. The Indian Union Muslim League, allied with the Congress, questioned the decision, terming the move an attempt to divert public attention from alleged donation theft. The party demanded an investigation into financial transactions and the role of Champat Rai, alleging inaction by authorities. The Bharatiya Janata Party defended the induction, criticising opposition parties for questioning qualified individuals and politicising administrative decisions.
A political row has broken out following the appointment of a retired Indian Air Force officer as the Chief Executive Officer of the Ram Mandir Trust. The Congress questioned the appointment, pointing out that a non-VHP and non-RSS individual was chosen, claiming the government lacked faith in both organisations. Meanwhile, the Samajwadi Party continued to demand justice in the donation theft case, raising concerns regarding financial embezzlement. The Bharatiya Janata Party hit back at the opposition, stating questions were being raised against good people. On the other hand, the Vishva Hindu Parishad welcomed the new appointment, stating that temple funds will remain safe, the new leadership will ensure transparency, and the move will help run temple affairs professionally. Trust members confirmed the selection followed extensive scrutiny among thousands of applicants, with organizational restructuring also leading to Govind Dev Giri stepping in as General Secretary.
The Bombay High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to probe the death of celebrity manager Disha Salian, citing procedural lapses, delayed spot panchnama, and inconsistencies in the initial Mumbai Police inquiry. Meanwhile, retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra has been appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer of the Ram Mandir Trust amid organisational restructuring. In international news, flash floods in Nepal have claimed over 1,100 lives and left nearly 4,000 missing, prompting Indian and international rescue operations at hydropower tunnel sites including Chilime, alongside debates between Lobsang Sangay and Erik Solheim over ecological causes and regional transparency. Additionally, four-time international throwball gold medalist Amardeep Kumar sells vegetables in Ranchi, drawing support assurances from Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, while Harpreet Kaur provides shelter to hundreds of birds in Punjab.
The Ram Janmabhoomi Trust is set to announce retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra as its first Chief Executive Officer following a comprehensive selection process. Over 5,500 candidates initially applied for the post, which was shortlisted down to three before the trust decided on Mishra. The appointment comes in the wake of an embezzlement controversy and the formation of a Special Investigation Team, prompting the board to establish a CEO role to oversee administrative and security matters. In addition to the CEO selection, the trust appointed three new trustees—Mahesh Bhargava, Nirmala Yadav, and Madan Mohan Pandey—filling vacancies created after the resignations of Champat Rai and Anil Mishra, and the passing of Vimleendra Mohan. The trust is scheduled to formally brief the media on the official appointment, newly outlined CEO responsibilities, and changes regarding the Public Relations Officer and deed regulations.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is holding crucial meetings in Ayodhya to finalize the appointment of its first Chief Executive Officer and Public Relations Officer. The selection process, which commenced in July following embezzlement allegations, evaluated 5,585 applications before shortlisting key contenders. The frontrunners under consideration include former Uttar Pradesh IPS officer Rajesh Pandey, former Bihar cadre IPS officer Paresh Saxena, 2005 batch IAS officer Yogeshwar Ram Mishra, and 2012 batch IAS officer Dr. Dinesh Singh. Additionally, the trust has inducted three new members—Madan Pandey, Mahesh Bharchanda, and Nirmala Yadav—to fill posts left vacant following the departures of Champat Rai, Anil Mishra, and Vimalendra Mohan. Possible changes to the trust deed are also being discussed as administrative operations are restructured.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust is holding a crucial meeting to finalise the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer from a shortlisted panel of three candidates. The extensive selection process began on 6 July with the formation of a selection committee, which reviewed 5,585 applications and held detailed discussions with 16 candidates before submitting the final three names. Prominent figures in consideration include former IPS officer Rajesh Pandey, former Bihar IPS officer Paresh Saxena, and former IAS officer Yogeshwar Ram Mishra. The meeting will also address filling three vacant trust positions, the role of temporary general secretary Krishna Mohan, and the appointment of a Public Relations Officer to coordinate with the media and manage verified information across social media platforms.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is holding a crucial meeting to decide on the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer and deliberate on key amendments to the Trust deed. The search for the administrative head reached its final stage after a three-member selection committee shortlisted top candidates from over 5,500 applications and submitted its final recommendations. The agenda includes discussions on framing new rules, regulations, and administrative powers for the incoming CEO, who will oversee daily temple operations, devotee amenities, security arrangements, and multi-agency coordination. The meeting also addresses administrative restructuring following recent resignations amid controversies regarding temple donation irregularities. The Trust convenes across two scheduled sittings to review a 12-point agenda, finalize crucial administrative appointments, and introduce the first official amendments to the Trust deed since its establishment in February 2020.
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This edition of News Today covers the escalating Ram Mandir donation theft controversy in Ayodhya following the resignation of temple trust General Secretary Champat Rai.
An interim investigation report reveals alleged misappropriation and theft of funds during the donation process at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, S Gurumurthy, Editor, Thuglak, shared his views on the allegations of donation theft and embezzlement at the Ram temple, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust's decision to accept resignation of Champat Rai and SIT probe in the case.
The Ayodhya Ram Temple Trust has undergone an administrative overhaul following a donation theft controversy. The trust accepted the resignations of Champat Rai as its general secretary and member Anil Mishra and has appointed a former Indian Forest Service officer, Krishna Mohan, as the interim general secretary.
The Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has accepted the resignation of Champat Rai following allegations of donation theft, appointing Krishna Mohan as the interim General Secretary.
Amid the ongoing controversy over alleged thefts and missing donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has officially accepted the resignations of general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra.
