"Will Ram Mandir Eradicate Poverty?" Karnataka Minister Triggers Outrage

Minister Santosh Lad said the construction of the temple was driven by political motives.

Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad stirred a fresh controversy as he asked whether the Ram Mandir construction in Ayodhya would eradicate poverty.

Mr Lad said the construction of the temple was driven by political motives. "The construction of Ram Mandir will not eradicate poverty. It was constructed for their (BJP) political gains," he said.

He said the chosen location of the temple deviated from the Supreme Court's suggested site.