Ayodhya: A sense of relief swept through Ayodhya on Monday evening after the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust announced key decisions, including the acceptance of resignations of senior office bearers, in connection with the alleged donation theft controversy at the Ram temple.The trust’s announcement, made after a nearly three hour meeting, was welcomed by local residents, traders and pilgrims, many of whom said the move would help restore confidence and bring the focus back to devotion rather than controversy.Satyam Modanwal, who runs a sweet shop on Rampath near the temple’s main entrance, said the Trust’s decision would help settle the issue.“The decision taken by the Trust will now settle the dust around the controversy. Since mid June, we had been witnessing a decline in pilgrims visiting Ayodhya because of the donation theft controversy,” he said.“The faith remains strong, but the blot of theft will now be removed following the actions taken by the Trust,” Modanwal added.Sanjay Gupta, a vendor selling religious artefacts near the temple, said business had suffered due to reduced footfall over the past few weeks. However, he expressed optimism that the Trust’s action would help revive visitor numbers.“There has been a dip in footfall, which affected our business, but devotees have never lost faith in Lord Ram. We hope more pilgrims will return in the coming days,” Gupta said.Pilgrims visiting the temple also welcomed the Trust’s decisions.Shalu Awasthi, who travelled from Bareilly with her family, said the action had reinforced her faith in the temple administration. “We came here with complete devotion. It is good that the Trust acted quickly. When action is taken, people regain confidence. Our faith in Lord Ram has never been affected,” she said.Abhat Kulkarni, a devotee from Aurangabad, said transparency was essential for maintaining public trust. “I am happy that the Trust has taken responsibility and acted. Such decisions strengthen the confidence of devotees. We have come here for darshan, and nothing can weaken our faith in Lord Ram,” Kulkarni said.Meanwhile, pilgrims continued to offer prayers at the Ram temple, while hundreds gathered at Ram Ki Paidi to take a holy dip in the Saryu river. The spiritual atmosphere in Ayodhya remains undiminished despite the recent controversy.
