Ayodhya, Sep 2026 : The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Wednesday appointed three new members to its Board of Trustees, including one reportedly linked to former Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Ashok Singhal's family, as the temple administration prepares for further changes in its organisational structure.
According to television reports, Delhi-based Mahesh Bhagchandka, Ayodhya-based Madan Mohan Pandey and Shikohabad-based Nirmala Yadav have been appointed as the new trustees. Their induction comes months after a controversy surrounding alleged theft of temple donations triggered a nationwide debate over the management of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple and demands for greater oversight of its financial and administrative affairs.
The Trust is also expected to appoint the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Ram Temple administration. Reports said the selection process has now been narrowed down to three candidates following scrutiny of a large pool of applicants.
Former Uttar Pradesh IPS officer Rajesh Pandey, retired IAS officer Yogeshwar Ram Mishra and senior Bihar Police officer Paresh Saxena are reportedly among the leading contenders for the position. The shortlisted candidates were selected from more than 5,500 applications received by the Trust after it invited applications from candidates across sectors without imposing specific conditions or restrictions.
A high-level meeting of the Trust is reportedly underway at the temple complex to deliberate on the appointment and finalise the name of the first CEO. The meeting includes Trust president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, newly appointed treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri and other senior members.
Trust members have so far maintained silence over the identity of the likely appointee, saying the final decision will be taken after detailed deliberations by the Board of Trustees. Sources cited in reports indicated that the selection is expected to be made unanimously.
The proposed CEO will play a significant role in overseeing the temple's expanding administrative operations as visitor numbers, donations and other activities continue to grow. The creation of the post is being viewed as part of efforts to strengthen the institutional framework governing the temple complex.
The appointment comes against the backdrop of allegations of financial irregularities involving temple donations. The controversy had resulted in the arrest of eight people and intensified calls for greater transparency and accountability in the handling of offerings and gifts received by the temple.
The issue also led to the resignation of Champat Rai as General Secretary, according to reports. The developments subsequently fuelled demands for an overhaul of the Trust's functioning, covering both its day-to-day administration and the management of donations.
The appointment of three new trustees and the impending selection of the temple's first CEO are therefore being closely watched as the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust moves towards strengthening its administrative structure and addressing concerns surrounding the management of the temple.
