Lakhpat Singh Butola, the Congress MLA from Badrinath, has launched a campaign against the state government and the Badri-Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC) regarding alleged irregularities in the donations and offerings made by pilgrims at Badrinath Dham. He has demanded a time-bound inquiry conducted by a special committee comprising three sitting High Court judges to ensure impartiality in the matter.
Speaking at a press conference, a visibly emotional MLA Butola stated that this is not merely a financial scam but a direct blow to the faith of millions of followers of the Sanatan tradition. He alleged that the government is attempting to shield the actual culprits by making low-level employees ‘scapegoats.’ He remarked sarcastically that he has no faith in a departmental inquiry, as both the investigating officer and the source of official patronage belong to the same side.
Furthermore, Butola accused the government of ignoring MLAs from the ruling party and neglecting the hill region. He emphasized that since the government appoints the members of the temple committee, it bears the moral and administrative accountability for this corruption. Several senior Congress office-bearers were also present at the press conference
