Lucknow, June 21: Amid ongoing discussions about transparency in donations for the Ayodhya Ram Temple, Anurag Rastogi, head of the India Bullion and Jewelers Association (IBJA) North India, clarified that the silver contributed by the association and its members in 2020 has been formally handed over to the temple trust. He emphasized that donors maintain their trust in the temple trust and administration.
In an interview, Rastogi stated that when the construction of the Ram Temple began, bullion traders contributed with devotion and faith. He mentioned that the IBJA dedicated an emotional portion of their contributions during the temple’s construction. There was widespread enthusiasm among traders across the country regarding the construction of Lord Ram’s temple, which motivated this contribution.
Addressing recent concerns about the materials used in the temple’s construction and donations, Rastogi noted that no allegations have been made against them so far. He acknowledged that there have been media reports of irregularities or alleged scams, but the organization has not reached any conclusions. He expressed complete trust in the Uttar Pradesh government and administration amidst these claims.
Rastogi revealed that approximately 60 kilograms of silver was dedicated to the temple’s construction by the organization and its members. This included about 39 kilograms as the main donation, along with a silver lamp weighing 3 kilograms and a silver pot weighing 1 kilogram. Additionally, Raj Kishore Gupta, a trader from Ghaziabad associated with the organization, contributed 22.5 kilograms of silver. Collectively, these donations amounted to nearly 60 kilograms, which were formally handed over to the temple trust.
In light of the questions surrounding the donated materials, he expressed confidence in the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Rastogi stated that the Chief Minister has assured clarity within 15 days regarding the situation. He agreed with the Chief Minister’s statement that the SIT has been established to clarify the facts, and they are awaiting the investigation’s results.
He reiterated that the organization maintains its trust in the temple trust and is not making any accusations. It is the responsibility of the investigative agencies to determine whether the donated items are secure and how they have been utilized. Emotionally, he remarked, “We have given to Ram, and only Ram knows. Our duty was to donate with faith. Now, it is up to the investigative agencies to verify the facts.”
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