The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is meeting in Ayodhya to consider three shortlisted candidates for its first full-time CEO after a selection process that received 5,585 applications.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has begun a crucial meeting in Ayodhya to decide on the appointment of its first full-time Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The meeting follows the submission of the final report by a three-member search committee, which shortlisted three candidates after screening 5,585 applications for the post. 

Trust member Mahant Dinendra Das Maharaj had said the meeting would begin at 2 pm and that the decision taken would be agreed upon by the Trust members. Treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, however, said the Trust would decide whether to announce the selected candidate immediately. 

Three-member panel submitted final recommendations

The search committee comprises retired Lieutenant General Vishnu Kant Chaturvedi, former scientist Suresh Haware and former Justice Pramod Kohli.

The committee's final report was submitted to the Trust on Tuesday after an extensive screening process. The panel also prepared a reserve list of three candidates, according to reports.

Kohli said the committee received 5,585 applications and created a 600-mark evaluation form based on eligibility criteria to handle the large number of applications.

The selection process subsequently involved online interactions and face-to-face interviews in Ayodhya before the final candidates were recommended. 

CEO appointment to strengthen administration

The appointment is expected to establish a dedicated executive leadership structure for the Ram temple's expanding administrative requirements.

The Trust is also considering changes to its administrative framework, including defining the powers and responsibilities of the proposed CEO and the division of duties between the CEO and other office-bearers. 

The meeting is therefore significant not only for the appointment itself but also for the broader restructuring of the Trust's management system.

The Trust is expected to take a final decision after considering the search committee's recommendations and deliberating on the candidates' suitability for the post.

The selection process for the first full-time Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has entered its final stage, with 18 candidates shortlisted from around 5,200 applications. The shortlisted candidates are being interviewed in Ayodhya as the Trust prepares to select a professional to oversee the temple's growing administrative operations. 

The move to appoint a full-time CEO comes amid increased attention on the administration and financial management of the Ram Temple Trust following allegations of irregularities and alleged embezzlement involving donation funds. The appointment is expected to strengthen administrative oversight and bring a dedicated executive structure to the Trust's operations. 

5,200 Applications Screened

According to reports, the selection committee screened more than 5,000 applications before narrowing the field to 18 candidates. The shortlisted applicants include people with experience in government administration, policing, the armed forces and temple management. 

The candidates are being assessed not only on their professional experience but also on their willingness to work from Ayodhya and their understanding of the responsibilities associated with managing the temple complex and its administration.

Former Bureaucrats in Race

The shortlist includes three former IAS officers, a former IPS officer and four retired military officers, according to reports based on sources familiar with the selection process. Some candidates have also held senior administrative positions at prominent temples in southern India. 

Former IPS officer Rajesh Pandey and former Ayodhya district magistrate Dinesh Chandra are among the names reported to be in contention for the position.

The diversity of the shortlist indicates that the Trust is looking for candidates with substantial experience in administration and institutional management rather than limiting the selection to a particular professional background.

Interviews Focus on Role and Values

The interviews have also attracted attention because candidates were reportedly asked questions relating to their personal habits and religious practices.

According to reports, candidates were asked whether they wear a janeu, whether they consume alcohol and whether they follow a vegetarian or non-vegetarian diet. Questions were also reportedly asked about their vision for the temple and how they would approach its future management. 

The selection process is being conducted at the Ram Temple's pilgrim facilitation centre in Ayodhya. All 18 shortlisted candidates reached the temple town ahead of the interviews.

Donation Row Adds Focus

The appointment of a full-time CEO comes at a time when the Trust's financial and administrative systems have come under increased public and political scrutiny.

Allegations concerning the handling of donations and reports of theft or embezzlement have intensified demands for greater accountability. The Trust's decision to create a dedicated CEO position is therefore being viewed as part of an effort to strengthen its administrative framework. 

The CEO will be expected to handle complex administrative responsibilities as the Ram Temple continues to attract large numbers of devotees and expands its wider facilities.

Three Names Expected for Final Selection

Following the interviews, the selection committee is expected to recommend three names to the Trust for consideration. The final decision will rest with the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

The appointment will be closely watched because the CEO will become the first full-time professional executive responsible for the Trust's administrative functioning.

With thousands of applications reduced to just 18 contenders, the selection has now entered its decisive phase. The final appointment is expected to determine how the Trust manages its growing operational, financial and visitor-related responsibilities in the years ahead.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is scheduled to hold an important meeting on Wednesday, where it is expected to appoint a permanent general secretary and fill three vacant trustee positions. The meeting comes shortly after the alleged donation theft case at the Ram Temple, making it one of the trust's most significant administrative gatherings in recent weeks.

The meeting will begin at 4:00 pm under the chairmanship of Trust President Mahant Nritya Gopal Das. Treasurer Govind Dev Giri and Shankaracharya Swami Vasudevanand Saraswati have already arrived in Ayodhya to participate in the proceedings.

Race for General Secretary Post

Acting General Secretary Krishna Mohan and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) General Secretary Bajrang Lal Bagra are considered the leading contenders for the permanent general secretary's post.

The appointment is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening the trust's administrative functioning, especially at a time when the temple administration is under increased public attention.

Three Trustee Positions Vacant

The vacancies arose after the trust accepted the resignations of former General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Dr. Anil Mishra during its meeting on 6 July. Both leaders had submitted their resignations on 26 June.

Following their exit, retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Krishna Mohan was appointed as the acting general secretary.

A third trustee position became vacant after the demise of Bimalendra Mohan Pratap Mishra, head of the Ayodhya royal family and a member of the trust. The meeting is expected to finalize appointments for all three vacant positions.

Meeting Held Amid Donation Theft Probe

The trust meeting is being held against the backdrop of the recently reported Ram Mandir donation theft case, which has drawn significant public attention.

While the trust has not officially stated that the matter is part of the meeting agenda, the case has heightened the importance of the discussions. The meeting is expected to focus on strengthening administrative oversight and ensuring smooth management of the temple's affairs.

CEO Appointment Nears Final Stage

Alongside the trustee appointments, the process of selecting a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Ram Temple administration has entered its final phase.

According to available information, nearly 5,500 candidates from across the country have applied online for the position. The newly appointed CEO is expected to assume charge after Raksha Bandhan (28 August).

The CEO will oversee the temple's administration, daily operations, infrastructure management, security, and facilities for devotees.

The decisions taken during Wednesday's meeting are expected to shape the future administrative structure of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust as it continues to manage one of India's most prominent religious institutions.

Addressing a press conference and later sharing his remarks on social media, Kejriwal claimed that Amit Shah had not visited the Ram Temple after the consecration ceremony at Ayodhya. He alleged that despite repeatedly referring to Lord Ram and the temple in public speeches, the senior BJP leader had not undertaken a visit to offer prayers at the shrine.

Kejriwal said the issue raised questions about the BJP’s commitment to the values and faith it frequently highlights during elections and political campaigns. According to the AAP chief, religious symbolism should not be used merely as a political tool.

The remarks have added another dimension to the ongoing political contest between the BJP and the AAP, which has intensified ahead of upcoming electoral battles in several states. Religion and faith-based political narratives continue to remain central themes in public discourse, particularly after the construction and inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

During the media interaction, Kejriwal also referred to reports regarding an alleged irregularity involving offerings at the Ram Temple. He said the reports had caused concern among devotees and demanded accountability if any wrongdoing had taken place.

The AAP leader argued that any allegations linked to a major religious institution should be investigated thoroughly and transparently. He maintained that devotees across the country expect complete integrity in the management of religious donations and temple affairs.

Kejriwal further accused the BJP of invoking Lord Ram and Sanatan values during political campaigns while failing to uphold those principles in governance. He alleged that the party’s public messaging and political actions were often disconnected.

In a significant political assertion, Kejriwal described AAP as a party committed to Sanatan values and claimed that his party had worked for religious and cultural causes during its tenure in government. He contrasted this with what he described as the BJP’s “selective use” of religious issues for electoral purposes.

The BJP had not immediately responded to the specific allegations at the time of reporting. The party has consistently maintained that the Ram Temple project reflects the fulfillment of a long-standing cultural and civilizational aspiration of millions of devotees across the country.

The Ram Temple has remained a major political and emotional issue in national politics. Since the consecration ceremony, leaders from different political parties have continued to make visits to Ayodhya, while debates over faith, governance and political messaging have frequently surfaced in public discussions.

Political observers believe that such exchanges are likely to intensify as parties seek to shape narratives around religion, governance and public trust. The latest remarks by Kejriwal indicate that the Ram Temple and related issues may continue to feature prominently in political debates in the months ahead.

With both the BJP and AAP attempting to connect with voters on issues of faith and governance, the controversy has once again brought Ayodhya and the politics surrounding the Ram Temple into the national spotlight.