Missing Silver Brick Donation: Sanjay Raut Demands Answers on Ram Mandir Gift

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has raised questions over the whereabouts of a 4 kg silver brick that his party had donated for the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Raut claimed that the silver brick, along with a donation of Rs 1 crore, was handed over by party chief Uddhav Thackeray during the temple's construction.

Raut's remarks come amid ongoing political debates over the management and transparency of donations made for the Ram Mandir, a project that has seen contributions from various political parties, organisations, and individuals across the country. The Shiv Sena, which was part of the ruling alliance at the centre before the split in the party, had been a vocal supporter of the temple construction.

“Uddhav Thackeray personally donated Rs 1 crore and a silver brick weighing 4 kg for the Ram Mandir. However, there is no information about where that silver brick is now. We demand a clear explanation from the temple trust,” Raut said. He did not provide any evidence to support his claim but insisted that the party had records of the donation.

The Ram Mandir construction is overseen by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which has not yet responded to Raut's allegations. The trust has previously released lists of major donors, but the specific mention of a silver brick from the Shiv Sena has not been publicly documented.

Political analysts note that this is not the first time questions have been raised about donations to the Ram Mandir. In the past, opposition parties have demanded greater transparency in the utilisation of funds. The issue has gained traction as the temple's construction nears completion, with the consecration ceremony expected in early 2024.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has been a key driving force behind the temple project, dismissed Raut's comments as a political stunt. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said, “The Ram Mandir is a symbol of faith for crores of Indians. We have full faith in the trust managing the construction. Such baseless allegations are an attempt to create controversy where none exists.”

Raut, however, maintained that he was not trying to politicise the matter but was merely seeking accountability. “This is not about politics; it is about ensuring that every donation, big or small, is accounted for. The public has a right to know,” he said.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) has been critical of the BJP on various issues since the split in the Shiv Sena in June 2022. The missing silver brick controversy is expected to add to the ongoing political friction between the two parties.