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Speaking on Thursday, Raju Das urged the trust to adopt and manage gaushalas across Ayodhya and to support the upkeep of dilapidated temples. He stated, “A salaried employee cannot replicate the kind of worship and devotion a ‘Sadhu’ offers. The arrangements for worship should not be commercial or artificial. They must be rooted in a spirit of true dedication and devotion.”

He further requested the trust to arrange free meals for devotees visiting Ayodhya and to facilitate darshan for the city’s saints. Highlighting the condition of local religious institutions, he said, “There are many ‘Gaushalas’ in Ayodhya that need care, and the Ram Mandir Trust should adopt and manage them. There are also numerous temples in Ayodhya that are dilapidated or in ruins due to a lack of resources. The Ram Mandir Trust should adopt these temples and oversee their maintenance.”

Mahamandaleshwar Vishnu Das Ji Maharaj also expressed support for Mishra’s appointment, praising his experience and service to the nation as assets for effectively managing the temple’s affairs. “Jeetendra Mishra has done immense work for the nation and served the country well. He has now been granted the opportunity to serve at the feet of Lord Ram Lalla. He is very fortunate,” he said.

Vishnu Das Ji Maharaj criticized opposition parties for politicizing matters to alleged thefts and scams involving temple offerings, which he said had caused distress among the Sanatani saint community. He added, “The opposition kept raising this issue, but such incidents will not occur in the future. We are confident that under the supervision of CEO Jeetendra Mishra, things will be managed effectively.”

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust appointed retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra as its chief executive officer on Wednesday, alongside naming three new trustees. The appointments took place during a trustees’ meeting in Ayodhya, where other matters discussed included the approval of the 2025–26 annual accounts, progress of the special investigation team probe into alleged financial irregularities, and ongoing Supreme Court developments.

Mishra was selected on the recommendation of a committee formed to identify a suitable CEO. He has 39 years of experience across various branches of the Indian Air Force, holds substantial leadership credentials, and is a recipient of the Uttam Yuddh Seva Medal.

In his first interview since the appointment, Mishra expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “I consider this a great fortune that they chose me from so many candidates. I also consider this the blessings of Lord Ram that after 43 years of service to the nation in the Air Force, He has given me the opportunity to serve Sri Ram Mandir and Sri Ram bhakts,” he stated.