Less than six months after the grand inauguration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reports of roof leakage in the partially-built temple have emerged, after the season’s first heavy showers.

The temple’s head priest, Acharya Satyendra Das on Monday (June 24), said that water had started to leak from the roof of the temple, including the portion where the idol of Ram Lalla was installed, Business Standard reported.

Expressing sock over the leakage, Das said, "It is very surprising. With so many engineers here and the Pran Pratishtha held on January 22, nobody would have thought water would leak from the roof."

Das has urged the authorities to take immediate steps to address the construction defects that have emerged in the temple. Acharya expressed concern that if the same situation persists, heavy rains during the full-fledged monsoon may completely disrupt the prayers and rituals in the temple. 

Meanwhile, Nripendra Mishra, the temple construction committee chairman, has also acknowledged the issue of the leakage, Business Standard reported.

However, he informed that the leakage is "expected" and part of the ongoing construction process. He explained that 'Guru Mandap' is exposed to the sky and the completion of the Shikhar (spire) will cover the opening from where rain water is getting leaked. The temple construction committee has claimed that the temple will be completed by December 2024. 

The chief priest, though remained unconvinced by the committee's claim. He stated that it would be "impossible" to complete the work by December 2024, given the amount of work still required.

The inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya was done by PM Modi on January 22, this year. Modi’s central role in the Ram Mandir’s inauguration was criticised by the opposition as it was deemed as a clear deviation from Constitutional decrees.

The Ram Mandir’s consecration played a significant role in Modi’s campaign strategy during the recently concluded general elections. “Jo Ram ko laye hain, hum unko layenge (We will bring to power those who brought Ram)” became BJP’s go to line.

The BJP tried to leverage its Hindu nationalist credentials and unabashedly sought votes in the name of Ram during the election campaigns. Communal slur and divisive speeches during election campaign from many BJP leaders including PM Modi, will forever be itched as the despairing highlight of the 2024 elections.