Ayodhya Trust General Secretary Champat Rai Resigns… Who Exactly is Champat Rai?

A major development has taken place regarding the alleged misappropriation of Ayodhya Ram Mandir donation funds. Champat Rai, the General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, has resigned. Taking moral responsibility following the arrest of his driver in connection with the case, Rai announced his resignation from the trust position. Alongside him, Anil Mishra, another member of the trust, has also stepped down from his responsibilities.

The noose tightened around Rai following the arrest of his driver and close associate, Ramashankar Yadav (alias Tinnu). Among the other seven individuals arrested are staff members responsible for counting temple cash and a retired banker who supervised the process.

However, ever since this controversy erupted, all eyes have been on Rai. While he initially dismissed the allegations of donation fund theft, he later welcomed the SIT (Special Investigation Team) probe ordered by the Yogi Adityanath government.

Naming the eight arrested individuals, the SIT submitted its preliminary report to the government earlier this week. This triggered allegations from the Samajwadi Party that influential individuals were being shielded. Following these developments, Rai resigned from his post on Friday.

Who is Champat Rai?
Early Life: Champat Rai was born in Uttar Pradesh in 1946. He was drawn toward the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) from his childhood.

Academic Background: Very few people know that before joining the Ram Mandir movement, he taught Chemistry at the RSM Degree College in Bijnor.

Imprisonment during Emergency: He was also arrested during the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi. Visuals of Rai being arrested from his college in 1977 still exist. His supporters maintain that he was arrested solely due to his association with the RSS. He spent nearly 18 months in jail.

Dedication to the Cause
After his release, Rai did not return to the field of education. Instead, he dedicated himself entirely to social service. In 1980, he officially joined the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP). He rose rapidly through the ranks—initially taking charge as a secretary, and later being promoted to the position of VHP International Vice President.

“Champat Rai dedicated his life to the Ram Mandir movement. Rising from a Chemistry teacher to the International Vice President of VHP, he witnessed the construction of the grand Ram Lalla temple with his own eyes. No false allegations can tarnish his character. His life is a testament to his devotion to Lord Ram!”

— Vijay Shankar Tiwari, VHP National Spokesperson (via Tweet)