Speaking in Patna, Khesari praised Prashant Kishor's vision for Bihar and described him as a leader working with long-term intentions for the state. The actor said people should support individuals who are trying to bring positive change rather than viewing politics only through the lens of traditional party loyalties.

The statement comes as the Bankipur bypoll has evolved into one of Bihar's most closely watched political contests. Prashant Kishor, who founded the Jan Suraaj Party after years as a political strategist, is making his electoral debut from the constituency, challenging the BJP in one of its long-standing strongholds.

Khesari said he believes Bihar deserves leadership that focuses on education, development and opportunities for the younger generation. Referring to Prashant Kishor, he remarked that supporting the "right person" was his responsibility and indicated that Bihar needs politics driven by public welfare rather than personal interests.

The Bhojpuri star also extended support to social activist Sonam Wangchuk's campaign on education-related issues, saying that any movement aimed at securing a better future for children deserves public backing. Alongside his political remarks, Khesari wished RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav a speedy recovery, describing him as a senior leader whose health was a matter of concern for many people in Bihar.

Khesari's endorsement is significant because of his massive popularity across Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Although he has occasionally commented on public issues, his direct backing of a political leader during an election campaign has attracted considerable attention.

Prashant Kishor's decision to contest the Bankipur seat has already intensified political activity in the state. He has described the by-election as an opportunity for voters to assess the performance of the current Bihar government and has urged people to move beyond caste and religion while casting their votes.

The Bankipur contest has become politically important because the constituency has traditionally been regarded as a BJP bastion. Several senior leaders from the BJP have joined the campaign, while Jan Suraaj is attempting to convert the bypoll into a larger political statement ahead of future electoral battles in Bihar.

Khesari Lal Yadav's latest remarks have also revived discussion around his earlier statements about Prashant Kishor. During previous political campaigns, the actor had publicly praised Kishor's political vision and described him as someone committed to Bihar's development, comments that continue to resurface whenever elections approach.

With campaigning gathering pace, endorsements from well-known public figures are expected to remain part of the political conversation. Whether Khesari Lal Yadav's support translates into electoral influence will become clear only after voters cast their ballots, but his intervention has undoubtedly added fresh momentum to an already closely watched by-election in Bihar.

A fresh political confrontation has erupted in West Bengal after Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee accused the state administration and police of acting unlawfully during the demolition of his party office in Amtala, South 24 Parganas. Banerjee alleged that police personnel, along with BJP workers, removed office equipment and documents after the demolition, calling the incident "robbery in police uniform."

The controversy follows Saturday's demolition of the front portion of the office building by the district administration, which claimed that the structure had been constructed without the necessary approvals. The action has intensified the ongoing political rivalry between the BJP and the TMC ahead of key political developments in the state.

Abhishek Shares Video, Levels Serious Allegations

Soon after the demolition, Abhishek Banerjee posted a video on social media platform X, alleging that police officers, in collusion with BJP supporters, entered the office and removed laptops, printers, official documents, furniture and other equipment.

According to the TMC leader, the action amounted to theft carried out under official protection rather than lawful enforcement. He claimed the property was removed despite the matter being pending before the Calcutta High Court, alleging that due legal procedures were ignored.

Banerjee described the incident as evidence of what he called the BJP government's "bulldozer model," accusing the administration of using state machinery to target political opponents.

TMC Plans Legal Action

The TMC has announced that it will challenge the demolition before the Calcutta High Court and, if necessary, approach the Supreme Court. The party also claimed that video footage of the incident has been forwarded to the Office of the Chief Justice of India, alleging vandalism and unlawful removal of property.

Banerjee asserted that legal proceedings would be initiated against everyone allegedly involved in the incident, warning that political protection would not shield those responsible.

Administration Defends Demolition

The district administration has rejected allegations of illegal action, stating that the demolition followed established legal procedures.

Officials said complaints had been received regarding unauthorized construction at the office premises. According to the administration, notices were issued on 15 July, asking the concerned parties to appear for a hearing and explain the alleged violations.

Since no response was received despite repeated notices, authorities decided to proceed with enforcement action and removed the portion of the building that was allegedly constructed without approval.

Amtala Office Held Strategic Political Importance

The demolished office in Amtala has long served as a key organisational centre for Abhishek Banerjee's political activities in the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency. Following his election as MP in 2014 and appointment as TMC National General Secretary in 2021, the office became an important hub for constituency management, election planning and party coordination.

Although the office reportedly remained closed after the TMC's defeat in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, it continued to hold symbolic and political significance for the party in South 24 Parganas, traditionally considered one of its strongest regions.

Political Tensions Continue to Rise

The demolition comes amid increasing political friction between the ruling BJP-led administration and the TMC. Earlier this month, Abhishek Banerjee had alleged that investigative agencies, including the STF and CID, were selectively targeting his associates.

With both sides standing by their claims, the dispute is now expected to move into the courts, where the legality of the demolition and the allegations surrounding the removal of office property are likely to be examined.

Her remarks came shortly after Rajya Sabha MP and Bengali actor-turned-politician Koel Mallick resigned from the Upper House, adding to the series of setbacks for the TMC following the party's defeat in the recent West Bengal Assembly elections.

Addressing party workers, Banerjee said those who wished to leave the Trinamool Congress should do so before the July 21 Martyrs' Day rally, one of the party's biggest annual political events. She alleged that several leaders were facing political pressure to switch sides but maintained that the party would move forward regardless of individual departures.

"Those who want to go may leave before July 21," Banerjee said, adding that the party would chart a new course after the commemorative rally. The TMC observes July 21 every year to remember the 13 people killed during a Youth Congress protest in Kolkata in 1993, an event that has become central to the party's political identity.

The latest controversy erupted after Koel Mallick resigned from the Rajya Sabha only a few months after taking oath as a Member of Parliament. Although she has not publicly disclosed the reason behind her resignation, her subsequent meeting with Union Minister Bhupender Yadav fuelled speculation about her future political plans.

Koel's resignation has intensified concerns within the Trinamool Congress, which has witnessed multiple high-profile departures in recent weeks. Reports indicate that several former TMC MPs and leaders have either resigned or shifted political allegiance, reducing the party's strength in Parliament and triggering debate over internal unity.

Banerjee, however, attempted to project confidence despite the developments. She suggested that leaders leaving the party were doing so under external pressure and asserted that the organisation remained focused on rebuilding after its electoral setback. According to party sources, preparations for the July 21 rally are continuing as scheduled despite the political turbulence.

The developments have also prompted sharp political reactions. Opposition leaders have claimed the resignations reflect growing dissatisfaction within the TMC, while Banerjee's camp has rejected those allegations, insisting the party remains united and capable of overcoming the current phase.

Political observers believe the coming days will be crucial for West Bengal politics. Any further resignations before July 21 could influence the political narrative ahead of the rally, which is expected to serve as a platform for Banerjee to outline the party's strategy after the Assembly election defeat.

For now, attention remains firmly on whether more TMC legislators or parliamentarians decide to quit before the deadline set by the party chief, or whether the July 21 gathering succeeds in restoring confidence among the party's rank and file.

Tiwari announced his resignation on Thursday, ending a long association with the Lalu Prasad Yadav-led party. His exit comes at a politically significant time, with Bihar preparing for Assembly elections and opposition parties working to consolidate their strategies.

In his resignation statement, Tiwari alleged that there was no longer any respect for committed and loyal party workers. He claimed that despite repeatedly raising concerns before senior leaders, including RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, his grievances were not addressed.

He also alleged that Tejashwi Yadav was surrounded by people who had weakened the party from within, comparing them to "termites" that had gradually damaged the organisation. According to Tiwari, continuing in the party after repeated humiliation was no longer possible.

Mrityunjay Tiwari has been regarded as one of the prominent public faces of the RJD for more than a decade. Appointed as the party's spokesperson and media in-charge in 2014, he regularly defended the party's position on political issues and represented it across television debates and public platforms. Party workers also credit him with playing an active role in connecting young voters with the organisation.

Reflecting on his association with the party, Tiwari said he had stood with the RJD even during difficult political periods and had fulfilled every responsibility entrusted to him. However, he maintained that the current organisational atmosphere no longer offered space for workers who had remained committed over the years.

The resignation has triggered fresh speculation over internal dissatisfaction within the RJD, although the party has not issued a detailed official response on Tiwari's allegations. Political observers believe the development could become a talking point as Bihar's electoral battle gathers momentum in the coming months.

Reports have also suggested that some senior RJD leaders attempted to persuade Tiwari to reconsider his decision. However, he reportedly remained firm and has not indicated whether he plans to join another political party.

Tiwari's political journey began during his student years before he joined the RJD, where he gradually emerged as one of its most recognisable spokespersons. Over the years, he became a familiar face in Bihar's political discourse, frequently articulating the party's stand on governance, elections and state politics.

His departure comes at a sensitive time for the opposition party, which is expected to play a central role in the upcoming Assembly elections. Any signs of internal discord are likely to attract attention as rival parties intensify their campaigns.

For now, Mrityunjay Tiwari has not announced his next political move. Whether he remains independent or joins another party is expected to become clearer in the coming weeks as Bihar's political landscape continues to evolve.

The meetings came amid heightened political activity in the state, where recent developments have fuelled discussion over possible realignments ahead of key political events. However, NCP (SP) leaders moved quickly to dismiss the speculation, insisting that the meetings should not be interpreted as a sign of the party changing sides.

According to reports, Jayant Patil first met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis before he and Jitendra Awhad later held discussions with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Mumbai. The meetings immediately sparked political debate, with opposition leaders and political observers questioning whether the Sharad Pawar camp was opening channels of communication with the ruling alliance.

Responding to the speculation, Jayant Patil categorically denied that the meetings had anything to do with joining the NDA. He maintained that political leaders often meet across party lines and said there was no proposal or discussion regarding a shift in the party's political position.

Jitendra Awhad also dismissed suggestions of any political deal, reiterating that there was no change in the party's stand. The NCP (SP) leadership has sought to project the meetings as routine political interactions rather than negotiations over a future alliance.

The latest developments come just days after similar speculation gathered pace following meetings involving senior leaders from different political camps. Recent statements by party leaders on national issues had already prompted discussions over whether the Sharad Pawar-led outfit was adopting a more flexible approach towards the BJP-led government on selected matters.

Political observers believe the meetings have assumed significance because of Maharashtra's rapidly changing political landscape over the past few years. The state has witnessed multiple realignments, splits within major regional parties and shifting coalition equations, making every high-level political interaction a subject of intense scrutiny.

Despite the growing buzz, neither the ruling Mahayuti alliance nor the NCP (SP) has indicated that any formal political negotiations are underway. Leaders from both sides have refrained from suggesting that an alliance is being discussed publicly.

For now, the meetings have added another layer of intrigue to Maharashtra politics without providing definitive answers. While speculation over future political equations is likely to continue, the Sharad Pawar-led faction has maintained that it is not preparing to join the NDA, attempting to put an end to the rumours generated by the high-profile meetings.

According to opposition leaders, Congress intends to raise issues including alleged examination paper leaks, inflation, unemployment and what it describes as irregularities in political funding. However, the proposed delimitation exercise is emerging as the principal constitutional issue around which the INDIA bloc is attempting to build unity.

The Congress has reached out to its alliance partners, including the DMK, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and other regional parties, seeking a common floor strategy before the session begins. Party leaders believe a united opposition would be better placed to challenge the government's legislative agenda and force detailed discussions on contentious Bills.

The delimitation issue has remained politically sensitive since the Centre's earlier attempt to introduce legislation linked to expanding Lok Sabha seats and implementing women's reservation. Opposition parties, particularly those from southern India, have argued that any exercise based primarily on population could reduce their relative representation despite their success in population control measures.

The DMK has consistently maintained that any delimitation exercise must not disadvantage states that have effectively implemented family planning policies. The party is expected to reiterate that position during the Monsoon Session and coordinate closely with other INDIA bloc members on the issue.

While the Congress is attempting to project opposition unity, recent political developments have created fresh challenges within the alliance. Differences between some regional parties and changing political equations have prompted questions about whether the INDIA bloc can maintain a common stand throughout the session. Despite those concerns, party leaders insist that constitutional matters such as delimitation require a collective response.

The government, meanwhile, is expected to push its legislative agenda while relying on its numerical strength in Parliament. Political observers believe the NDA enters the Monsoon Session in a stronger position than during the special session held earlier this year, when opposition parties had successfully stalled key constitutional proposals.

Ahead of the session, the Centre has convened an all-party meeting on July 19 to discuss legislative business and seek cooperation from political parties. At the same time, the Lok Sabha Secretariat has issued an advisory asking MPs to maintain parliamentary decorum and avoid protests or demonstrations inside the Parliament complex.

As Parliament prepares to reconvene, the Monsoon Session is expected to witness sharp exchanges between the treasury benches and the opposition over constitutional reforms, governance issues and economic concerns. The debate over delimitation is likely to remain at the centre of the political confrontation, with both sides preparing for one of the session's most significant legislative battles.

The BJP has continued to project Hindutva as one of the central pillars of its political campaign. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other senior party leaders have accused the opposition of adopting what they describe as "soft Hindutva" only because of the approaching elections. BJP leaders argue that the opposition's recent emphasis on Sanatan traditions lacks consistency and is driven by electoral considerations rather than ideology.

At the same time, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has noticeably altered his political messaging in recent months. While continuing to champion the party's PDA (Pichhda, Dalit and Alpsankhyak) social coalition, he has increasingly linked socialism with Sanatan values. Speaking at public events, Akhilesh has asserted that "Samajwad" represents the true spirit of Sanatan by promoting equality and welfare for every section of society.

The Samajwadi Party's outreach has also included visits to religious figures and temples, with the party preparing to launch a statewide PDA Rath Yatra from a prominent religious location later this year. Political observers view these moves as an attempt to expand the party's support base beyond its traditional caste coalition while countering the BJP's dominance over religious narratives.

The Congress has adopted a similar approach in Uttar Pradesh. State Congress president Ajay Rai has repeatedly highlighted his religious identity and has participated in temple visits and public religious events. Party leaders believe that emphasising Sanatan traditions could help counter the BJP's allegations that the opposition is anti-Hindu while allowing the Congress to reconnect with sections of the electorate that have drifted away in recent elections.

Political analysts believe the shift reflects a broader transformation in Uttar Pradesh's electoral landscape since 2014. With the BJP consistently consolidating a large section of Hindu voters, opposition parties appear to be balancing their traditional social justice and secular narratives with greater emphasis on religious and cultural symbolism.

The BJP, however, remains unconvinced by the opposition's strategy. Party leaders continue to accuse both the SP and Congress of pursuing "appeasement politics" in the past while adopting religious symbolism only in the run-up to elections. The party has intensified its criticism through public campaigns and protests, arguing that its commitment to Hindutva has remained consistent over the years.

As political activity gathers pace ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, Sanatan politics is expected to remain a key campaign theme alongside governance, economic development and social welfare. Whether the opposition's evolving strategy succeeds in broadening its electoral appeal or the BJP retains its advantage on the Hindutva plank is likely to become one of the defining questions of the upcoming election battle.

According to party insiders, the proposed Rath Yatra will travel across different regions of Uttar Pradesh, focusing on strengthening the Samajwadi Party's support base among the PDA (Pichhda, Dalit and Alpsankhyak) social coalition while also reaching out to other sections of society ahead of the elections. The route and schedule are expected to be finalised in the coming weeks.

The decision to begin the yatra from a religious location is being viewed as part of Akhilesh Yadav's evolving political strategy. In recent weeks, the SP chief has made several appearances linked to religious and cultural issues, including his meeting with Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand and his remarks on Ayodhya and Sanatan traditions. Political observers believe these moves reflect an attempt to counter the BJP's dominance over religious narratives while retaining the party's traditional social justice agenda.

The proposed campaign is expected to highlight issues such as unemployment, inflation, farmers' concerns, education and law and order. At the same time, party leaders are likely to use the yatra to mobilise workers at the grassroots level and prepare district units for the upcoming Assembly election battle.

Although the Samajwadi Party has not officially announced the exact starting point, sources suggest that a major religious centre is under consideration. The choice is expected to carry symbolic significance and could become one of the key talking points of the party's campaign launch.

The Rath Yatra will also provide Akhilesh Yadav with an opportunity to interact directly with voters across the state through public meetings and roadshows. Similar statewide campaigns have previously formed an important part of the Samajwadi Party's election strategy, helping the leadership connect with local workers and communicate the party's agenda before polling.

With less than a year remaining before Uttar Pradesh heads to the polls, political parties have begun intensifying their preparations. While the BJP is expected to focus on governance and welfare initiatives, the Samajwadi Party is positioning its PDA campaign as the centrepiece of its election strategy.

The launch of the proposed Rath Yatra is expected to mark the beginning of an aggressive campaign season in Uttar Pradesh, with political activity likely to intensify across the state in the months leading up to the Assembly elections.

The case came to light after Elathur MLA Vidya Balakrishnan received a WhatsApp call from a man identifying himself as "Rajkumar" from Priyanka Gandhi's Delhi office. The caller allegedly claimed that a cabinet reshuffle was imminent in Kerala and that she could secure a ministerial position by paying ₹3 crore.

According to the MLA, the conversation immediately appeared suspicious. Instead of disconnecting the call, she continued the discussion to gather more information before informing senior Congress leaders and verifying the claim with Priyanka Gandhi's office.

The Congress MP's office confirmed that no such person was authorised to make the call and that the communication was fraudulent. Following the verification, Vidya Balakrishnan lodged a formal complaint with the Kozhikode Cyber Cell, which began an investigation into the alleged impersonation.

The probe has since widened after Priyanka Gandhi's private secretary filed a separate complaint. Police registered an FIR and revealed that similar WhatsApp calls had also been received by Congress MPs Shafi Parambil and Dean Kuriakose, suggesting that multiple public representatives were targeted using the same modus operandi.

Investigators have traced the origin of the WhatsApp calls to Delhi and are examining whether the incidents are part of an organised fraud network attempting to exploit political leaders through impersonation. The case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) along with Section 66D of the Information Technology Act, which deals with cheating by personation using computer resources.

Vidya Balakrishnan said she never believed the offer to be genuine, noting that ministerial appointments are not made through monetary transactions. However, she chose to report the matter after consulting the party leadership so that those responsible could be identified and prevented from targeting others.

Police are now analysing call records, digital evidence and the mobile number used by the accused. Officials believe further complaints may emerge if additional legislators or political leaders received similar calls.

The incident has once again highlighted the growing misuse of impersonation and digital communication platforms in fraud attempts. Authorities have urged public representatives and citizens alike to verify the identity of callers claiming to represent government offices or political leaders before responding to any financial demand.

The controversy began after Omar Abdullah, while addressing a National Conference workers' convention in Srinagar, alleged that BJP leaders had approached some NC MLAs with offers ranging between ₹20 crore and ₹30 crore, ministerial positions and even assurances of restoring Jammu and Kashmir's statehood in an attempt to destabilise the elected government. He claimed the alleged exercise resembled the BJP's much-discussed "Operation Lotus" strategy seen in other states, but asserted that none of his party legislators would switch sides.

Responding sharply, BJP national spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi described the allegations as "baseless" and "highly irresponsible." He said a sitting Chief Minister could not make such serious accusations without supporting evidence and demanded that Abdullah either identify the individuals involved and present proof or issue a public apology.

The BJP's Jammu and Kashmir unit echoed the demand. Party spokesperson R.S. Pathania questioned why the Chief Minister had not lodged a formal complaint if any attempt to bribe legislators had actually taken place. He asked Abdullah to disclose which MLA was allegedly approached, who made the offer, and when and where the incident occurred. The BJP maintained that allegations of political bribery could not be made without credible evidence and warned that legal action would follow if the claims remained unsubstantiated.

The ruling National Conference, however, has stood by the Chief Minister's remarks. Omar Abdullah reiterated that attempts were being made to weaken his government but insisted that the party's legislators would not betray the mandate given by the people. He said the NC remained united and accused the BJP of trying to secure power through political engineering rather than electoral support.

The exchange has intensified political tensions in Jammu and Kashmir, where the National Conference-led government has been in office since the Assembly elections. Allegations of attempts to engineer defections have surfaced periodically in Indian politics, often drawing comparisons with the so-called "Operation Lotus" label used by opposition parties to describe alleged efforts to bring down rival governments through defections. The BJP has consistently rejected such accusations across states.

Political observers believe the latest confrontation is likely to sharpen the ongoing contest between the ruling National Conference and the BJP in the Union Territory. While the NC has portrayed the allegations as an attempt to protect the people's mandate, the BJP has accused the Chief Minister of making sensational claims to divert attention from governance issues.

No evidence supporting the alleged offers has been made public so far, and no formal investigation has been announced into the claims. With the BJP threatening defamation proceedings and the National Conference standing by its allegations, the political dispute is expected to remain in focus in the coming days.

The high-level meeting was held in Chandigarh as part of the party's efforts to address growing dissatisfaction among a section of Punjab Congress leaders. Channi, accompanied by several supporters, met Baghel, who is the party's Punjab in-charge, to discuss organisational issues and concerns over the state leadership. However, the discussions ended without any immediate resolution.

According to party sources, the Channi camp once again argued that replacing Raja Warring was essential to strengthen the Congress before the next Assembly election. The dissenting leaders reportedly maintained that a change in leadership would help the party present a united front against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and the BJP.

Baghel, however, sought to downplay speculation of a major organisational shake-up. Speaking after the meeting, he said there was no infighting within the Punjab Congress and insisted that discussions among party leaders should not be viewed as signs of division. He also indicated that any decision regarding the state leadership rests with the Congress high command and not with individual leaders or factions.

The latest round of talks comes days after the Congress announced its organisational structure for the Punjab Assembly elections. The party retained Amarinder Singh Raja Warring as the Punjab Congress president while appointing Charanjit Singh Channi as chairman of the campaign committee. The appointments were intended to balance responsibilities among senior leaders, but they also triggered fresh discontent within a section of the state unit.

During the meeting, leaders from the Channi camp are understood to have raised concerns over the functioning of the state organisation and reiterated their objections to Warring's continuation as PPCC chief. Senior Congress leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, who has also expressed reservations over the present leadership arrangement, reportedly attended the discussions and backed the demand for organisational changes.

Despite the sharp differences, Baghel expressed confidence that the party would remain united. He assured the leaders that their concerns would be conveyed to the Congress high command and stressed that the focus should remain on strengthening the organisation ahead of the electoral battle in Punjab.

The disagreement has drawn attention because Punjab is expected to be one of the Congress' key political battlegrounds in the 2027 Assembly election. While the party hopes to regain power after its defeat in 2022, persistent factionalism has emerged as a challenge to its preparations. Political observers believe the Congress leadership will have to strike a balance between accommodating influential regional leaders and maintaining organisational stability before the election campaign gathers momentum.

For now, there is no indication that the Congress high command is considering an immediate leadership change in Punjab. With both sides holding firm to their positions, the internal discussions are expected to continue in the coming weeks as the party works to project unity before entering the next phase of election preparations.

Addressing party workers during the ongoing Ram Raksha Andolan in Maharashtra, Aaditya Thackeray alleged that the controversy had shaken the faith of devotees and said those responsible for the alleged misappropriation of offerings must be brought to justice. He accused the BJP of remaining silent on an issue involving one of the country's most revered temples.

The protest forms part of the Shiv Sena (UBT)'s statewide Ram Raksha Andolan, launched by party chief Uddhav Thackeray after allegations surfaced that cash and valuables offered by devotees at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple had been stolen by individuals involved in counting donations. The campaign has sought to project the party as defending the sanctity of the temple while questioning the functioning of the trust responsible for its administration.

Speaking during the programme, Aaditya Thackeray questioned why action had not been taken swiftly despite the seriousness of the allegations. He maintained that the issue was not political but related to protecting the trust of millions of devotees who contribute offerings at the temple. According to the party, the movement is aimed at demanding transparency rather than targeting any religion or place of worship.

The controversy erupted after police arrested several individuals allegedly linked to the theft of donations from the Ram Mandir. Investigators recovered a substantial amount of cash during the probe, following which the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust initiated internal changes in its administration. The trust accepted the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, appointed an interim secretary and began the process of selecting a chief executive officer.

The trust has described the alleged theft as a matter of deep concern but has appealed against politicising the issue. Trust president Nritya Gopal Das said the incident had caused pain to everyone associated with the temple and expressed confidence that appropriate action would be taken by the authorities.

The BJP, meanwhile, has accused opposition parties of attempting to derive political mileage from the controversy. Party leaders have maintained that law enforcement agencies are investigating the matter and that those found guilty will face legal consequences. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has also appealed to devotees to remain patient and not allow the incident to be used to create divisions in society.

The donation controversy has become a significant political issue ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election, with several opposition parties questioning the governance of the temple trust. The Congress has demanded greater transparency and called for an independent investigation, while Shiv Sena (UBT) has continued to organise public programmes highlighting the issue.

Political observers believe the episode has broadened beyond a criminal investigation, evolving into a debate over accountability in the management of religious institutions. While the police investigation into the alleged theft is continuing, the issue is expected to remain part of the political discourse in the coming months as parties sharpen their campaigns ahead of future elections.