Three candidates shortlisted for Ram Janmabhoomi Trust’s first CEO - The Hindu

**Three candidates shortlisted for Ram Janmabhoomi Trust’s first CEO – The Hindu**

The Ram Janmabhoomi Trust, set up by the Union government to oversee the construction and administration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, has narrowed its search for a chief executive officer to three final candidates. All three aspirants are senior administrators from Uttar Pradesh, bringing decades of experience in public service, infrastructure projects, and religious‑institution management. While the trust has not disclosed their names, officials said the shortlist was compiled after a rigorous vetting process that evaluated each candidate’s track record, financial acumen, and ability to navigate the complex socio‑political landscape surrounding the project.

The selection comes amid heightened scrutiny of the trust’s governance. Recent reports in the *Hindustan Times* highlighted a “donation theft row,” prompting the board to consider amending the trust deed to tighten financial controls and improve transparency. Simultaneously, the *Times of India* noted that the trust is preparing to announce the new CEO by tomorrow, a move intended to accelerate the temple’s construction timeline while addressing concerns raised by opposition parties and civil society groups.

Political opposition, particularly from the Samajwadi Party (SP), has questioned the integrity of the selection process. As reported by *Telangana Today*, SP leaders have demanded that a high‑court‑supervised panel oversee the appointment to ensure impartiality and prevent any perceived favoritism. The trust, however, maintains that the shortlist reflects meritocratic criteria and that the final decision will be taken by the board of trustees in accordance with established protocols.