Lucknow, July 5 (IANS) Amid the raging controversy over the alleged embezzlement of donations made at Ayodhya’s Ram Temple, Union Minister and LJP-Ram Vilas chief Chirag Paswan on Sunday demanded the strictest punishment for those who are proven guilty of the crime, so that “no one dares to commit such an act” ever.

Talking to IANS, Paswan said: “I believe this is extremely unfortunate and a matter of concern. Whenever such controversies arise, they hurt the faith of Ram devotees. I believe that whoever has hurt the sentiments of Ram devotees…the Central and Uttar Pradesh governments will ensure that no corrupt person is spared. The strictest possible punishment should be given so that no one dares to commit such an act in the future.”

On the Opposition’s allegations against the BJP-led NDA government regarding the row, the Union Minister said: “Those who are raising questions are again hurting the sentiments of devotees of Lord Ram…politics should not be done at least over this issue.”

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the ‘Pran Prathistha’ ceremony at the Ram Temple in 2024, he said: “Neither he nor his government and neither the Uttar Pradesh government will allow anyone to mess with the faith of devotees of Lord Ram.”

“In such a situation, all those who are raising questions are further wounding the faith of devotees,” he reiterated while emphasising that no culprit will be spared.

Earlier, responding to reporters’ questions on the upcoming UP Assembly polls, Chirag Paswan said: “I will honestly acknowledge that the Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas is considering contesting the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. As for the alliance, its structure, and the number of seats we may contest in Uttar Pradesh, decisions will be taken by the state unit. After due deliberation, the state unit will send its proposal, and the final decision will be made by the party’s Central Parliamentary Board…”

Meanwhile, Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) International President Alok Kumar took a jibe at the opposition leaders on Sunday, saying they can “assist the ongoing investigation” into the alleged misappropriation of donations made at Ayodhya’s Ram Temple if the leaders have “enough evidence to prove their allegations”.

The VHP chief’s reaction came in reference to a letter written by him to the Investigation Officer of the Ram Temple embezzlement case, demanding verification of the allegations made by several opposition leaders, including Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, party leader Sanjay Singh and Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav.

–IANS

cg/vd