Operation Sindoor commander Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra selected as Ram temple Trust’s first CEO - The Times of India

**Operation Sindoor commander Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra named first CEO of Ram Temple Trust**

New Delhi – The government‑appointed Ram Temple Trust has selected Air Marshal (Retd.) Jeetendra Mishra, the former commander of the controversial “Operation Sindoor” campaign, as its inaugural chief executive officer. The decision, disclosed in a formal notification on Tuesday, makes Mishra the first civilian to head the body that will oversee the construction, administration and financial management of the forthcoming Ram Temple at Ayodhya. The trust, set up under the 2020 Ram Janmabhoomi Act, is tasked with managing the temple’s assets, ensuring compliance with statutory regulations and supervising the monumental building project slated for completion by 2028.

Mishra, who retired from the Indian Air Force in 2023 after a distinguished 38‑year career, rose to prominence in 2023 when he was appointed the operational head of “Operation Sindoor.” The initiative, launched by the central government, involved the symbolic distribution of vermilion (sindoor) to millions of Hindus across the country as a show of solidarity with the temple cause. While praised by supporters as a unifying cultural gesture, the operation also attracted criticism for its perceived politicisation of a religious sentiment. In interviews with NDTV, Mishra emphasized that his new role will be guided by “the blessings of Lord Ram” and that he intends to bring the same logistical rigour and transparency that marked his military service to the trust’s operations.

The appointment has provoked a mixed response from the political spectrum. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hailed the move as a “strategic step toward efficient governance of the sacred complex,” whereas Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, writing in *The Hindu*, warned that “neither God nor the people will forgive ‘Ram dhan ki chori’” if the trust fails to safeguard the temple’s finances. Analysts in *The Indian Express* and *Deccan Herald* note that Mishra will face the immediate challenge of instituting robust audit mechanisms, restoring public confidence after the recent theft of temple ornaments, and navigating the delicate balance between religious expectations and secular accountability. Observers expect the new CEO to prioritize transparent procurement, regular public disclosures and stakeholder engagement to ensure the project’s credibility and fiscal integrity.