The rise of Champat Rai: From chemistry lecturer to Ram Mandir power centre

Champat Rai, a central figure in the Ram temple movement and general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, has reportedly resigned from his post. This development follows reports of investigators probing alleged misappropriation of temple donations arresting a former aide. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) stated on Friday that it had no knowledge of Rai's resignation.

Rai, 79, has been a prominent insider in Ayodhya, known for his connections with religious leaders and deep knowledge of the temple town. His journey began as a chemistry lecturer before he became involved with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during the Emergency, leading to an 18-month jail sentence. After his release, he joined the VHP in 1980, becoming a close associate of its then-president Ashok Singhal.

He was instrumental in mobilizing youth for the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and strengthening the Sangh network across various regions, with Ayodhya becoming his focal point. Colleagues from the 1980s and 90s recall him as the "encyclopedia of Ayodhya," possessing intricate knowledge of its history, legal disputes, and property records. Lawyers frequently consulted him for documents, revenue maps, and oral histories during the temple's title suit litigation, earning him the moniker "Record Keeper of Ram Lalla."

Rai was also present in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992, when the Babri Masjid was demolished, and was named in a CBI chargesheet for criminal conspiracy, though he was later acquitted by a Lucknow court in 2020. Following the Supreme Court's 2019 verdict that paved the way for the Ram Mandir's construction, Rai's extensive work placed him at the forefront of the project. He served as the operational head, coordinating with engineers and briefing the media, and led the nationwide 'Nidhi Samarpan Abhiyan' donation drive in 2021.

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The Vishva Hindu Parishad on Friday, said it has no knowledge of its vice president Champat Rai resigning as general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.