The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is set to hold a meeting on 3 September 2026 to select its first chief executive officer (CEO) for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. This decision follows the recent conclusion of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into alleged donation theft, which resulted in the exoneration of former general secretary Champat Rai.
The CEO appointment is expected to formalise the temple’s administrative structure after months of internal debate and public scrutiny.
According to The Indian Express, a nine-page letter attributed to Champat Rai has generated significant discussion within the Trust and among Ayodhya’s religious community.
The letter, dated 18 August, reportedly outlines the history of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, the Trust’s formation, and the construction process, while also raising questions about the leadership of the construction committee chaired by Nripendra Misra.
As reported by Hindustan Times, the letter claims that Misra exercised absolute authority over the construction committee, with no work proceeding without his approval. It also states that Misra selected several committee members, some of whom had limited involvement in Ayodhya.
The document, described by Trust insiders as intended for a commemorative booklet rather than as a formal letter, has nonetheless intensified debate about decision-making within the Trust.
As highlighted by The Hindu, Champat Rai’s article asserts that every decision regarding the temple’s construction was made by the committee led by Misra, and that any actions taken outside this framework were reversed.
The article also credits Misra for overcoming technical and logistical challenges, selecting key agencies such as Larsen & Toubro for construction and Tata Consulting Engineers for project management.
In response to the controversy, Misra has publicly denied any rift within the Trust or criticism from Rai, stating that he has not seen the letter and dismissing suggestions of internal conflict as unfounded.
“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,” Misra said.
Trust sources have indicated that the CEO selection process is being managed by a special committee, which is considering three candidates, with a preference for a retired bureaucrat due to the administrative demands of the role. The final decision is expected at the upcoming meeting as deliberations continue.
Coverage revealed that the SIT’s final report, submitted on 17 August, found “gross lapses” in the Trust’s functioning but did not directly implicate Champat Rai or other senior members in the donation theft case.
This outcome has led to renewed calls from some quarters for Rai’s return to a leadership role within the Trust, though he has not publicly commented on the matter.
Trust insiders noted that the upcoming CEO appointment is seen as a critical step in restoring public confidence and ensuring transparent management of the temple’s operations as discussions progress.
“The committee’s authority was absolute and that not a single task was executed without the committee’s approval. If any decision was taken outside, it was not accepted. If something was done, it was removed,” Rai stated in his note.
Analysis showed that the Trust’s internal dynamics, the recent SIT findings, and the ongoing debate over committee leadership have all contributed to heightened attention on the CEO selection process.
The outcome of the 3 September meeting is expected to shape the future governance of the Ram Temple and its associated activities.
Note: This article is produced using AI-assisted tools and is based on publicly available information. It has been reviewed by The Quint's editorial team before publishing.