Donation theft in Ayodhya and land grab in Mahakal, this is the new Modi model: Congress

The Congress on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, linked the alleged embezzlement of donations from the Ram Temple in Ayodhya with the land acquisition controversy involving Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav in Ujjain near Mahakal Temple.

The party accused the BJP of playing with people’s beliefs to gain financial and political gains.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari, Congress media and publicity wing president Pawan Khera said these developments point not only to corruption but also to betrayal of people’s faith.

“Ujjain and Ayodhya are international affairs. People’s faith is linked to these cities. People are thrifty so that they can save money and go on pilgrimage. Looting money, stealing is like stabbing people’s faith,” Mr. Khera said, referring to allegations that huge donations were siphoned off by people of the Foundation that runs the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

“Donation theft in Ayodhya and land grabbing in Mahakal, this is Modi’s new model,” Mr. Patwari said, questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “silence” on both the issues.

These remarks came amid political controversy triggered by reports that Mr Yadav’s family members and real estate companies linked to them had purchased large tracts of land in and around Ujjain after assuming office in December 2023.

A study published this week reported that the family and related entities have purchased at least 137 plots of land covering about 168 acres, most of which are in areas expected to benefit from proposed road projects and land use changes associated with the expansion of Ujjain ahead of the 2028 Simhastha Maha Kumbh.

Mr. Khera said former Congress leader Ashok Chavan, now with the BJP, was forced to resign as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra due to accusations that his mother-in-law owned a flat in the Adarsh ​​Housing Society in Mumbai.

“No action is expected from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on this issue. He will feast on ‘melody’ abroad and ‘jhal muri’ at home; the Prime Minister will devour the lands and donated gold and silver,” the Congress leader said.