Ayodhya, September 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and several seers in Ayodhya have welcomed the appointment of Air Marshal (Retd.) Jeetendra Mishra as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, although some seers have raised objections to the appointment of three new trustees.
The Ram Temple Trust on Wednesday also elevated Swami Govind Dev Giri as General Secretary and appointed Mahesh Bhagchandka, Madan Mohan Pandey and Nirmala Yadav as trustees, filling three vacant positions in the temple body.
VHP International President Alok Kumar told IANS that the organisation had seen Mishra’s contribution during Operation Sindoor and highlighted his administrative and defence experience.
“We have seen the work and contribution of Air Marshal (Retd.) Jeetendra Mishra during Operation Sindoor. He has a long experience of administration and defence,” Kumar said, expressing hope that the appointment would strengthen the Trust’s administration.
Welcoming Swami Govind Dev Giri’s elevation, Kumar described him as a devoted follower of Lord Ram whose life had been dedicated to penance, service and social awakening.
On Bhagchandka’s appointment as treasurer, Kumar referred to his participation in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and expressed confidence that he would help establish a transparent system within the Trust.
Kumar also said Nirmala Yadav’s induction would provide representation for women in the temple Trust.
Among the Ayodhya seers, Mahant Raju Das welcomed Mishra’s appointment but said he would have preferred a seer for the position, arguing that a religious figure could bring a deeper level of devotion to the service of the deity. He nevertheless extended his best wishes to the new CEO.
Mahant Sitaram Das of Saket Bhawan temple also congratulated Mishra, saying that after serving the nation, he would now have the opportunity to serve Ram Lalla.
However, Sitaram Das said seers had reservations about the appointment of the three new trustees, claiming that they had not been involved in the historical struggles of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
Mahant Deveshacharya Ji Maharaj of Siddh Peeth Hanumangarhi said seers had initially been reluctant about appointing a CEO but welcomed the decision to choose a former armed forces officer instead of an IAS or IPS officer. He said this would help maintain the purity and sanctity of the temple administration.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak also congratulated Mishra on his appointment.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai criticised the decision, alleging that the CEO had been appointed to “legalise the theft of temple offerings” and arguing that a religious scholar should have been chosen for the post.
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