Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot emphasized the Congress government’s efforts in providing legal Bansi Paharpur sandstone for the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Gehlot urged temple authorities to use only legally sourced stone to maintain sanctity. He stressed the need for accountability in light of alleged financial irregularities in temple donations.
Gehlot, during a press conference in New Delhi, highlighted Rajasthan’s contribution to the temple’s construction and emphasized transparency in matters of public faith. He mentioned the significant role of sandstone from Bansi Paharpur in the temple’s building process. The Congress government worked to ensure lawful mining for the project, resolving legal and administrative obstacles.
The veteran leader recalled addressing concerns about illegal mining in the Bansi Paharpur region during the early stages of the temple’s construction. Gehlot revealed advising the temple trust officials to use only legally mined and certified stone for the project. He detailed the administrative steps taken to enable legal mining in the area, including efforts to reclassify land for mining purposes.
Gehlot claimed that the Congress-led Rajasthan government’s recommendations to the Centre expedited the approval process for legal mining, ensuring a lawful supply of sandstone for the temple. He expressed concerns over any financial misconduct in projects of religious significance, stating that misuse of contributions would betray public trust. Gehlot emphasized the importance of protecting the faith of millions by upholding accountability and governance standards.
