Who is Bajrang Bagra? Former NALCO CMD appointed Ram Mandir Trust general secretary

Ayodhya: The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Monday appointed Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) International General Secretary Bajrang Bagra as its new General Secretary, replacing Champat Rai, whose resignation was accepted during a trust meeting in Ayodhya. The appointment comes as the trust faces scrutiny over alleged irregularities in temple donations.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Monday named Bajrang Bagra as its new General Secretary after accepting the resignation of Champat Rai at a meeting held in Ayodhya.

Bagra, who currently serves as the International General Secretary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), was unanimously chosen for the post, according to sources.

The leadership change assumes significance as the Ram Mandir Trust remains under the scanner over allegations of embezzlement of temple donations. Police and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) are continuing their investigation into the alleged financial irregularities.

A Chartered Accountant by profession, Bagra hails from Rajasthan's Sikar district and brings a blend of corporate and organisational experience to the role.

Before entering full-time religious and social organisational work, Bagra had a long career in the public sector. He served as the Chairman and Managing Director of National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a Navratna public sector enterprise under the Union Ministry of Mines. He also held senior finance roles, including Director (Finance) and Chief Financial Officer at NALCO and RITES Ltd.

Following his voluntary retirement from NALCO, Bagra became actively involved with the VHP, rising through its ranks to become Joint General Secretary before being elected International General Secretary in February 2024 during the organisation's Pranyasi Mandal and Management Committee meeting in Ayodhya.

He has also served as the president and CEO of the Ekal Abhiyan and has frequently represented the VHP on issues concerning temples, religious affairs, religious conversions and matters affecting Hindu society.