A dispute has broken out between Indian authorities and British charitable organisations over the alleged misappropriation of funds donated to the reconstruction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The controversy, which emerged last week, centres on claims that donations collected in the United Kingdom were diverted from their intended purpose, prompting a formal review of oversight protocols by several British charities.
The Ram temple, built on the site of a 16th-century mosque demolished by Hindu nationalists in 1992, has been a flagship project of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. The temple trust, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, has raised billions of rupees from donors worldwide, including a significant portion from the Indian diaspora in Britain.
According to documents seen by this correspondent, a whistleblower within one of the UK-based fundraising bodies alleged that approximately £2 million intended for the temple construction was instead redirected to political campaigns and personal accounts. The claims have been denied by the trust and by Indian officials, who have described them as a smear campaign.
Britain’s Charity Commission has confirmed it is assessing the allegations. A spokesperson said the commission was in contact with the relevant charities, which have voluntarily suspended their fundraising activities pending an internal review. The commission added that it would take appropriate regulatory action if evidence of wrongdoing emerged.
The affair has strained relations between New Delhi and London, already tested by disagreements over trade and diplomatic immunity. India’s Ministry of External Affairs declined to comment on the specifics but stated that all donations to the temple trust are transparent and audited. The UK Foreign Office said it was monitoring the situation but had no further comment.
For British charities, the row raises uncomfortable questions about the governance of diaspora fundraising. Many of these organisations operate on trust and minimal oversight, relying on personal connections to channel donations to projects in South Asia. Several experts have called for stronger due diligence, including independent audits and clearer reporting lines.
Professor Alistair Brown of the London School of Economics, a specialist in diaspora philanthropy, said the case highlighted a systemic vulnerability. “There is a gap between the enthusiasm of donors and the mechanisms that ensure their money reaches its intended destination. This episode should serve as a wake-up call for the sector.”
The Ram temple trust has not responded to specific allegations but has released a statement condemning “baseless rumours” and reaffirming its commitment to transparency. It said it would cooperate with any official inquiry.
Meanwhile, the controversy has become a political flashpoint in India, where opposition parties have seized on the allegations to criticise the government. Rahul Gandhi, leader of the Indian National Congress, called for a judicial probe. “The temple was built with the hopes of millions. They deserve to know where their money went,” he said.
The British charities involved have declined to be named publicly, citing legal advice. But one executive told this correspondent that the review would examine not only the Ayodhya project but also other overseas funds. “We cannot afford another failure of trust,” he said.
The row comes at a sensitive time for India-UK relations, as both sides seek to finalise a free trade agreement. British officials are keen to avoid any perception of interference in India’s domestic affairs, but they cannot ignore potential breaches of British charity law.
The Charity Commission’s review is expected to take several weeks. Its findings may set a precedent for how British charities manage donations for politically sensitive projects abroad.
