Ram Temple gets 3 new trustees: Mahesh Bhagchandka, Madan Mohan, Nirmala Yadav appointed

Ayodhya, September 2: The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Wednesday appointed three new trustees as part of an administrative reshuffle at the Ram Temple.

The newly appointed trustees are Delhi-based Mahesh Bhagchandka, Ayodhya resident Madan Mohan Pandey and Nirmala Yadav of Shikohabad.

Bhagchandka is reportedly related to late Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Ashok Singhal.

The appointments were discussed during a key meeting of the temple trust being held at Mani Ram Das Chhawani, the residence of Trust president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das in Ayodhya.

The Trust's office-bearers are also deliberating on filling other vacant positions as part of the ongoing administrative restructuring.

Ram Temple CEO announcement likely soon

A key decision expected from Wednesday's meeting is the appointment of the Ram Temple's first Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO will oversee the Trust's administrative functioning and handle important operational responsibilities connected with the temple complex.

The CEO appointment comes amid a broader restructuring of the Trust following the stepping down of General Secretary Champat Rai and Trust member Anil Mishra amid allegations concerning the theft of donations and offerings at the temple.

Several names have emerged as possible contenders for the CEO position, including former IPS officer Rajesh Pandey and former IAS officer Dinesh Chandra.

Retired IAS officer Yogeshwar Ram Mishra and former IPS officer Paresh Saxena have also been linked to the selection process.

However, the Trust has not yet officially confirmed the final shortlist or the eventual appointee.

A three-member search committee was formed on July 6 to oversee the CEO selection process.

The committee comprises retired Justice Pramod Kohli, retired Lieutenant General Vishnukant Chaturvedi and Suresh Haware.

The selection process reportedly attracted 5,585 applications, of which 3,570 candidates completed and submitted their application forms.

Wednesday's meeting is also taking place against the backdrop of allegations over the theft of offerings at the Ram Temple. It is reportedly the third meeting of the Trust since the issue came to light.

Further details on the appointments and the CEO selection are awaited.