LUCKNOW — Temple administrators at the Sheetla Mata shrine confirmed Tuesday that the Rs 78 lakh government grant secured by a local ruling party MLA is completely free of caste impurity and will be enthusiastically accepted, even though the lawmaker herself was barred from participating in the renovation's foundation ceremony.

"We have strict traditional protocols regarding who can physically participate in a sacred bhoomi pujan," a spokesperson for the Hindu Jan Seva Samiti explained, addressing concerns about the Scheduled Caste representative's presence. "Fortunately, government grants do not have a caste. The funds the MLA secured for our renovation are considered ritually pure and will be absorbed into the temple trust immediately."

The temple administration, which in 2025 allegedly forced a man from the lawmaker's Pasi community to lick the floor for defiling the premises, noted that such disciplinary measures are not required for financial transfers. Authorities confirmed the transaction perfectly aligns with the ruling party's 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' framework for inclusive development, as the funds will benefit local contractors and suppliers without disrupting the social hierarchy.

"The money is already being utilized to construct a more beautiful, spiritually uplifting space for the entire community," an official added, meticulously reviewing the state disbursement documents while standing on a platform the lawmaker was forbidden to approach.