Shimla, July 7 -- Himachal Pradesh Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan has termed the alleged irregularities in donations made to the Ayodhya Ram Temple a "grave offence" against the faith of millions of devotees and said the controversy had deeply hurt public sentiments across the country.

Speaking with ANI after offering prayers at the Ram Mandir and Jakhu Hanuman Temple in Shimla along with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Cabinet colleagues and Congress leaders, Chauhan said devotees had contributed to the temple with devotion and sacrifice and making any alleged misuse of donations an insult to Lord Ram and His followers.

"A very grave offence has taken place in Ayodhya. The Ram Temple is a symbol of the faith of crores ...