Ahead Of Ram Temple Ceo Selection A 9 Page Letter Creates A Stir In Ayodhya Buzz Of Champat Rais Return

A nine-page letter giving a detailed account of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, the legal battles, the formation of the Trust after the Supreme Court’s verdict and the construction of the temple in Ayodhya has created a flutter ahead of the September 3 meeting of the Trust, which is expected to choose its first chief executive officer (CEO) in the wake of the donation theft row.

Many attribute the letter to Champat Rai, who had to resign as the general secretary of the temple Trust following the donation theft scandal. With the Special Investigation Team (SIT), formed by the Uttar Pradesh government to probe the donation theft charges, reportedly not blaming him, speculation is rife that Rai, who has been camping in Ayodhya and meeting the sadhus and seers ahead of the September 3 meeting, may be pitching for his return to the temple Trust.

The letter, dated August 18, has not been made public. People close to Rai claimed that he wrote it, but Rai himself has neither confirmed nor denied it.

However, a portion of the 33-point letter on Nripendra Misra, the chairman of the Temple construction committee, has raised eyebrows. Misra is described in the letter as the person who “took key decisions” of the construction committee and management of the 70-acre temple complex. It says that no decision regarding the temple construction was taken without the approval of the Misra-led committee, and that he was the final authority regarding the temple construction. While the letter credits him for taking key decisions and overseeing the project through the Covid period and its subsequent completion, it also alleges that Misra brought “some persons of his interest” into the construction committee. The letter claims one of them visited Ayodhya only once or twice in six years, while another was consulted on security-related matters.

According to the letter, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) was selected for the temple construction on Misra’s suggestion, while Noida-based Design Associate was chosen for the design and construction of other buildings.

Speaking to mediapersons on Friday, Misra rejected speculations that Rai’s purported note contained an attempt to blame him or reflected differences within the Ram Temple Trust. He said he had neither received such a letter nor was aware of it. Even if such a document existed, he said, he would not have blamed anyone, and alleged that attempts were being made to create the impression of differences within the Trust.

“I have not seen any such letter, and until I see any letter, I would say that it must be your imagination. Even if it is nine pages long, then also he (Rai) must not have made any criticism. You only want to create a controversy. That is why you are doing such things,” the former bureaucrat said.

The letter and the controversy surrounding it come at a critical juncture for the Ram Temple Trust. The September 3 meeting is expected to take up the appointment of its first CEO, a move that would mark an important step towards establishing a more formal administrative structure for the temple in the wake of the donation theft case in which eight persons have been arrested by the UP Police so far.

Sources within the Trust said that the names of three candidates for the final selection are being decided by the special committee formed to suggest the names. Preferences are being given to a retired bureaucrat considering the nature of the Trust’s work, the sources added.

However, at the same time, discussions within the Trust and among a section of seers in Ayodhya have also revived the question of Rai’s possible return to the Trust. Those backing his return are pointing to the SIT report submitted before the Trust, arguing that Rai has not been directly blamed in it. “He (Rai) had said that he would write after the SIT submits its final report to the Trust, and now he has,” said a functionary close to him.

For now, Champat Rai has maintained silence.

Maulshree Seth is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, based in Lucknow. With over 15 years of experience in mainstream journalism, she has built a formidable reputation for her on-ground reporting across Uttar Pradesh. Her expertise spans a wide array of critical beats, including state politics, governance, the judiciary, and rural development. Authoritativeness Maulshree’s work is characterized by depth and historical context. Her coverage of high-stakes state elections and landmark judicial rulings has established her as an authoritative voice on the intersection of law and politics in Northern India. She is frequently recognized for her ability to gain access to primary sources and for her nuanced understanding of the socio-economic factors that drive the world's most populous sub-national entity. Trustworthiness & Ethical Journalism Her reporting is rooted in rigorous fact-checking and a steadfast dedication to neutral, unbiased storytelling. By prioritizing field-based verification—often traveling to the most remote corners of the state—she ensures that her readers receive a truthful and comprehensive view of events. ... Read More