Former Deputy Chief Minister K.S. Eshwarappa has called for a fair investigation and punishment in connection with allegations of embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, expressing concern over the impact on devotees.

At a press conference on Friday, Mr. Eshwarappa said the allegations had shocked Ram’s devotees. “I hope the Central government is not taking this lightly. There are reports of a long-standing conspiracy to siphon off funds, and there is clear failure on the part of the temple trust,” he said.

Mr. Eshwarappa demanded action against those responsible. “The Centre must ensure a fair probe and punish those who embezzled money donated by devotees,” he said.

Sharavathi project protest planned

Shifting focus to the controversial Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project, Mr. Eshwarappa accused Energy Minister K.J. George of rushing the tender process without waiting for mandatory clearances from the Centre and National Wildlife Board. The haste, he implied, reflected a familiar pattern in environmental governance: ask for forgiveness rather than permission.

Hundreds of environmentalists will participate in “Kargal Chalo” on Sunday to oppose the project. Protesters will travel from Shivamogga to Kargal in Sagar taluk by bus, assembling at Freedom Park at 7 a.m. before proceeding to stage a demonstration outside the KPCL office.

Prof. B.M. Kumaraswamy, environmentalist, said members of Rashtrabhaktara Balaga, Parisarakkagi Naavu, and several other groups would participate in the march.