The construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya will be completed in three
years, the cost of which will exceed Rs 1,100 crore, a prominent functionary of
the temple trust has said, PTI reported.

“The main temple will be built in three to three and a half years
and will cost Rs 300-400 crore. The expenditure on the development of the
entire 70 acre land there will exceed Rs 1100 crore,” said Swami Govind
Dev Giri Maharaj, treasurer of Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Nyas.

The figures for this project were attained after consulting with experts
involved in the Ram temple construction project. However, the Nyas (trust) has
not officially declared the expenditure of the project, he said while talking
to ABP Majha Marathi TV channel.

“It was possible for us to raise funds (for the temple
construction) from some corporate people. Some (corporate) families had
approached us, requesting us to hand over the (temple) designs and assuring us
they will complete the temple project, but I humbly declined that
request,” he said.

In response to a query that associated Ram temple funds collection drive
with the BJP campaign in view of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, he said, “People
see this depending on the colour of spectacles they wear. We don’t wear any
spectacles and our eyes are pointing at the path of devotion. Our target is to
reach 6.5 lakh villages and 15 crore homes (for collecting funds for the temple
work).”

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The Swami was asked if he would pay a visit to Maharashtra Chief
Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s residence Matoshree in suburban Mumbai to collect
funds.

“I am willing to go there if he is ready to contribute. Shiv Sena
leader and Maharashtra Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe has
given us a one kg silver brick,” he said.

President Ram Nath Kovind contributed Rs 500,100 for the Ram temple
construction at Ayodhya.

When enquired about seeking contribution from Congress leaders Sonia
Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, he said, “I am ready to do that if someone were
to guarantee that I won’t be disrespected there.”