Senior RSS Leader Bhaiyyaji Joshi Steps Down as Ram Temple Trust Patron Amid 'Fund Theft' Row

Bhaiyyaji Joshi's resignation as the Ram Temple trust's patron comes weeks after Champat Rai's exit on 'moral grounds.'

The Wire Staff

Bhaiyyaji Joshi's resignation as the Ram Temple trust's patron comes weeks after Champat Rai's exit on 'moral grounds.'

senior rss leader bhaiyyaji joshi steps down as ram temple trust patron amid fund theft row

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat (right) with RSS leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi during an event in New Delhi, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. Photo: PTI.

New Delhi: Senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi has resigned from his post as the palak (patron/guardian) of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust after citing "health concerns" as the primary reason for stepping down. The development comes shortly after the resignation of the trust's secretary, Champat Rai, who has been at the heart of the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged embezzlement of devotees' donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

The trust has relieved Joshi of his responsibilities as palak, a role tied to organisational guidance rather than day-to-day administration. While the RSS maintains that Joshi did not hold any formal position within the trust, sources said he was reportedly regarded as a guiding figure offering oversight during meetings.

According to a report by Deccan Herald, Joshi attended the meetings as a "special invitee," with his primary responsibility being to ensure coordination between the trust and the RSS. His resignation is being viewed as part of a broader restructuring of the trust following the fund theft allegations.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Uttar Pradesh government to investigate the alleged theft flagged serious lapses in the temple's management and its process for counting cash offerings, in its interim findings. Following this, a new SIT was constituted by the Supreme Court, which has now been tasked with investigating the matter further.

Joshi had allegedly been entrusted with the role during a period when the trust was facing allegations over a controversial land purchase. Considering his organisational standing within the RSS – where he served as an important link between RSS and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) – Joshi's addition was seen as a strategic move to strengthen the trust's functioning at the time.

No formal reason has been given for Joshi's resignation beyond health concerns.

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