AYODHYA: Three former IAS officers, a former IPS officer and four ex-military officers were among the 18 candidates interviewed on Tuesday for the post of the first full-time CEO of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, sources said to news agency PTI.The candidates faced questions not only about their administrative and leadership abilities but also their religious beliefs and practices. The 40-50 minute interviews included questions about their faith in Lord Ram, adherence to Hindu customs, whether they wear a braid or janeu (sacred thread), and whether they are vegetarian or non-vegetarian, the sources said.Candidates were also asked about alcohol consumption, whether they considered themselves “hardline Hindus” or believers, and if they followed Hindu religious dress practices.The selection panel also sought their views on religious and social engagement, leadership skills, and their vision and proposed work plan for the Ram temple.Only eight of the 18 shortlisted candidates were interviewed on Tuesday. The process is now likely to continue for four more days, instead of the two days initially planned, the sources said.The Trust decided to appoint a full-time CEO following allegations of embezzlement of Ram temple donations, which prompted greater scrutiny of its financial management.A senior Trust functionary said all 18 shortlisted candidates, selected from around 5,200 applicants, reached Ayodhya on Monday night and stayed at locations designated by the Trust.Former IPS officer Rajesh Pandey and former Jaunpur district magistrate Dinesh Chandra were among those interviewed on Tuesday. Former IAS officers Yogeshwar Ram Mishra and Sameer Pandaya are also in the fray, the sources said.The interviews were held behind closed doors at the Green House in the Ram temple complex. The candidates were first taken on a tour of the temple complex before the interviews began at 10 am.“Each candidate had forwarded his arrival schedule at the Ayodhya airport. They were picked up by people appointed by the Trust. From the airport, they were taken to the different locations in separate vehicles,” a source said.The candidates have been instructed not to speak to the media. After their interviews, they will be taken to Ayodhya airport and flown to New Delhi before travelling to their respective destinations, the source added.The 18 shortlisted candidates also include former senior officials associated with temples in South India, according to the sources.A three-member selection committee arrived in Ayodhya on Monday night to oversee the screening process. The panel will shortlist three candidates, from whom the Trust will make the final selection.The committee comprises former Supreme Court judge Justice Pramod Kohli, retired Lt Gen Vishnukant Chaturvedi and Suresh Haware.The alleged embezzlement of Ram temple donations has brought the Trust’s financial management under scrutiny. Eight people have been arrested in the case, while three officials, including former Trust general secretary Champat Rai, have stepped down from their posts.(With PTI inputs)
