Congress demands independent probe into donation chori

NEW DELHI: Leaders of opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi Sunday shot off a letter to PM Narendra Modi demanding an independent probe into the Ram temple donation issue and warning that his govt's credibility depends on its swift action - putting the controversy high on the opposition's agenda for Parliament's monsoon session that may lead to confrontation with govt.Also, with Cockroach Janta Party and activist Sonam Wangchuk planned to march to Parliament Monday over paper leaks and to demand the resignation of the education minister, many opposition parties have supported the protest, and are likely to turn up at Jantar Mantar for the Parliament gherao.The twin issues, on which the opposition is seeking a discussion, are likely to dominate the first week of the session, with BJP in the crosshairs. Congress believes these controversies can hurt the governing party politically as they affect a large segment of Indian population and youth.Kharge and Rahul told Modi that he had announced the formation of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra in Parliament, and its members appointed by Centre are closely associated with RSS, VHP and affiliates, while its "disgraced former general secretary" is "your close associate". They said in the letter,"Your silence now in the face of such a crime is unacceptable."The Congress duo said the findings of the independent probe and the trust's accounts should be made public so that every devotee knows how their offerings have been used.There is a consensus among opposition parties that govt should discuss the issue in Parliament, with SP's Dharmendra Yadav, RSP's NK Premachandran, CPI's Sandosh Kumar stressing the demand in the all-party meeting with govt.Ahead of the session, govt's decision to break up Wangchuk's hunger strike through police action has led to the opposition condemning the Modi govt. - Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.