RSS to discuss Ram Temple row, favours trust overhaul

New Delhi: The RSS is in favour of making structural changes to the functioning of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, including appointment of a chief executive officer for professional management of the body responsible for the administration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, people in the know said.

Amid the controversy over alleged theft of donations at the temple, the issue of changes at the trust is expected to figure prominently during the Sangh's annual three-day Akhil Bharatiya Prant Pracharak Baithak, which began at Hubballi in Karnataka on Friday.

According to the people, senior office-bearers of the RSS' Uttar Pradesh unit and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) are expected to present a detailed account of the developments before the Sangh's top leadership. This is likely to be followed by a separate closed-door meeting involving senior RSS functionaries and VHP leaders to discuss the way forward.


RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, in his recent statement, had indicated the need for changes in the trust's functioning. The proposal about restructuring the trust is aimed at strengthening its institutional functioning following the controversy, they said. The RSS is understood to favour a more professional administrative framework, including the appointment of a CEO, the people said.

Suresh 'Bhaiyyaji' Joshi, the former Sarkaryavah who currently serves as the Sangh's in-charge for the VHP, is also expected to involve in the deliberations in view of his organisational responsibility for coordinating with the affiliate. The annual meeting, being attended by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale, will continue till July 12.

Apart from the Ayodhya issue, the meeting will deliberate on a range of organisational and national issues, including the ongoing nationwide census exercise, expansion of RSS shakhas, implementation of annual organisational plans and the Sangh's outreach strategy.