Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 8 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan has termed the alleged irregularities in donations made to the Ayodhya Ram Temple a “grave offence” against the faith of millions of devotees and said the controversy had deeply hurt public sentiments across the country.
Speaking with ANI after offering prayers at the Ram Mandir and Jakhu Hanuman Temple in Shimla along with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Cabinet colleagues and Congress leaders, Chauhan said devotees had contributed to the temple with devotion and sacrifice and making any alleged misuse of donations an insult to Lord Ram and His followers.
“A very grave offence has taken place in Ayodhya. The Ram Temple is a symbol of the faith of crores of people. Devotees made contributions with complete devotion for the construction of the temple, but today their emotions have been deeply hurt. When reports emerged through the media that offerings made by devotees with faith were allegedly being stolen, nothing could be a greater insult to Lord Ram than this,” Chauhan said.
The minister said the Congress leadership visited the Jakhu Hanuman Temple to seek divine intervention because it had little faith that the Centre would ensure accountability in the matter.
“Today we have come to the temple of Lord Hanuman because we have no expectation that the BJP government at the Centre will identify those responsible for the alleged theft of donations and take action against them. We have come to pray that Lord Hanuman himself protects the ideals of Lord Ram and safeguards the Ram Temple,” he said.
Chauhan also launched a sharp attack on those allegedly involved in the controversy, saying the people responsible had betrayed the trust of devotees.
“No one has any expectations from those accused of stealing donations made in the name of Lord Ram. We have prayed that they are blessed with wisdom and realise the gravity of what has happened,” he added.
The minister said the alleged misuse of offerings made at the Ram Temple was not merely a financial issue but one that had wounded the religious sentiments of millions of devotees who had contributed to the temple out of faith and reverence. He maintained that those responsible should be held accountable and that the sanctity of the temple and the ideals of Lord Ram must be protected. (ANI)
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