U.P. Congress delegation allowed to pray at Ram Temple after face-off with Ayodhya administration
Uttar Pradesh Congress State President Ajay Rai and others pray at the Hanuman Temple in Ayodhya on June 30, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI
A delegation of Congress MPs from Uttar Pradesh, led by state unit chief Ajay Rai, offered prayers at the Ram Temple temple in Ayodhya on Tuesday evening (June 30, 2026). Heavy police force has been deployed around the temple since morning amid clashes between Congress leaders and the local administration.
The development late in the evening came after hours of talks and allegations of “house arrest” in which members of the delegation, including Mr Rai and four Lok Sabha MPs, said they were either stopped on their way to Ayodhya, confined to their homes or detained by the police.
The visit was planned following allegations that donations made at the Ram Temple were misappropriated, sparking a political storm. Eight people have been arrested and UP police are continuing to investigate even as Opposition parties have called for a Supreme Court-monitored probe.
An impartial investigation is not taking place; Ajay Rai
After visiting Hanumangarhi and the temple, Mr Rai said: “There is no impartial investigation being done. Ram Temple officials should be investigated.” He also demanded that the temple trust be dissolved and the Shankaracharyas, seers and residents of Ayodhya be housed there.
Earlier in the day, the UP Congress chief said he was “confined alone” and subjected to “complete mental torture” in the guest house at Acharya Narendra Dev University. “I am determined that I will not leave without seeing Lord Ram,” Mr. Rai said. Hindu.
The Congress delegation included Mr Rai and four Lok Sabha MPs from UP – Kishori Lal Sharma, Rakesh Rathore, Ujjwal Raman Singh and Tanuj Punia – who planned to go to Ayodhya on Tuesday (June 30) to worship Lord Ram.
Congress workers across the state protested against the police action. For example, a protest was held outside the district magistrate’s office in Bhadohi and a memorandum was submitted to the UP Governor. Protests were also held in Varanasi, Moradabad, Lucknow and Barabanki.
However, no official statement was made regarding the action against them.
With inputs from PTI
It was published – 01 July 2026 02:44 IST
