Lucknow: BSP national president Mayawati on Tuesday demanded a probe into allegations of theft of devotees’ offerings at the Badrinath shrine in Uttarakhand, saying the matter has triggered widespread concern and requires focused attention from the govt and the SIT.In a statement, Mayawati linked the Badrinath allegations with claims of theft and embezzlement of donations at the Shri Ram temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, saying both issues have been making headlines. She said the main managers associated with the trusts of these prominent religious sites should be investigated, warning that failure to fix accountability could lead to similar misuse by future appointees.She said there is broad discussion that any irregularities at lower levels may have occurred either with the complicity of senior managers or because of their negligence, making it essential for investigators to examine the role of those in charge.Mayawati also called on investigating agencies to seek evidence from leaders of the Samajwadi Party, Congress and Aam Aadmi Party, who have alleged large-scale diversion of donations at the Ram temple. If they cannot provide proof, she said, the claims would appear to be political posturing and an attempt to fight elections by sidelining public-interest issues.
