Reports from Lucknow say that Uttar Pradesh chief-minister Yogi Adityanath has demanded Rs.300 crores from corporate majors to build a temple for Lord Ram (Ram Mandir) at the disputed site in Ayodhya.

Yogi Adityanath, who was the surprise choice as chief-minister in India's most populous State following the BJP's resounding victory during last year's Assembly polls, assured the people that constructing 'Ram Mandir' would be among the top priorities of his Government.

Yogi had said that the construction might cost Rs.300 crores aide added that he proposed to take money from corporate majors. The Govt. has reportedly sounded private and Govt. controlled corporate companies to cough up the sum required for construction of 'Ram Mandir'. "Donations won't be taxed and the companies' names would figure in advertisements to be put up at the Mandir," he added.

Opposition parties in the State have reacted sharply to the chief-minister's demand stating that it wasn't right on the part of the Government to further burden the already not-so-income generating State public sector undertakings.