Champat Rai Alleges Nripendra Misra Sidelined Committee In Key Ram Temple Decisions | VIDEO

Lucknow: Former Ram Mandir Trust general secretary Champat Rai has alleged that former IAS officer and temple construction committee chairman Nripendra Misra acted arbitrarily in several matters related to the construction of the Ram temple and brought people of his choice into the committee.

Rai raises questions over decisions

In a nine-page document issued on August 18, Rai said some of the people associated with Misra were called to Ayodhya only once or twice in six years, while others were consulted on specific issues such as security.

Rai said decisions related to temple construction were taken in meetings of the construction committee, but in several cases decisions were subsequently altered and priority was given to Misra's views. He also alleged that suggestions and decisions of other committee members were not given due importance in some matters.

The allegations assume significance as the construction committee was the key forum overseeing the execution of the Ram temple project, including the selection of construction agencies, consultants and design firms.

Construction committee’s role

According to Rai, former NBCC chairman Anoop Mittal also attended the committee's meetings. He described Mittal as a civil engineer who advised Misra on engineering-related matters.

Rai's document said Larsen & Toubro (L&T) was selected for construction of the temple on Misra's recommendation. Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE) was selected as the project management consultancy. The document also refers to the role of Noida-based Design Associates in the design and construction-related work of buildings other than the main temple. Its head, Jai Kanitkar, was selected by Misra, Rai said.

The temple's chief architect, Chandrakant Bhai Sompura of Ahmedabad, had been selected by Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Ashok Singhal in 1986 and was retained for the Ram temple project.

Rai also detailed the functioning of the construction committee, saying it normally met once every month and for a period meetings were held every fortnight. He claimed that every major construction-related work had to be approved by the committee.

Museum development and allegations

The former trust general secretary also highlighted Misra's role in the development of the International Ram Katha Museum. According to the document, Misra felt that it would be more practical for the Uttar Pradesh government and the trust to develop the existing museum instead of creating separate museums.

Following discussions with the state government, the museum building was leased to the trust for 30 years. The responsibilities for its renovation and development were subsequently divided between the concerned agencies, Rai said.

Rai's allegations have brought the internal functioning of the temple construction committee into focus, particularly the extent to which its chairman influenced key decisions.

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Misra rejects claims

However, Misra has rejected attempts to draw him into the controversy. Asked about Rai's document and the references to his role, Misra said he had not seen the letter. He alleged that an attempt was being made to create a controversy over the issue.

Misra also denied any role in the appointment of the Ram Mandir chief executive officer. Asked about the interview process for the post, he said he was not involved in it and had no information about the appointment process.

The document by Rai thus raises questions over the manner in which key decisions were taken during the construction of the Ram temple, while Misra's response indicates that he does not accept the allegations or the interpretation being attached to his role.