Senior BJP leader and Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust trustee, Kameshwar Chaupal, passed away on Friday after a prolonged illness. Known for his key role in laying the first brick in the construction of the Ayodhya temple on November 9, 1989, Chaupal was a dedicated Ram Bhakt and a prominent political figure.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over Chaupal’s demise, hailing him as a devoted follower of Lord Ram and lauding his significant contribution to the Ram Temple’s construction. In a heartfelt post on X, the Prime Minister wrote:

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of senior BJP leader and Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust trustee, Kameshwar Chaupal Ji. He was a devoted follower of Lord Ram and made a valuable contribution to the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Coming from a Dalit background, Kameshwar Ji will always be remembered for his efforts towards the welfare of marginalized communities. In this moment of grief, my condolences are with his family and supporters. Om Shanti!”

Kameshwar Chaupal, the first Kar Sevak, gained prominence for placing the foundation brick of the Ram Temple. He joined the BJP as a primary member in 1991 and had two unsuccessful runs in the Lok Sabha elections. However, he remained an influential figure, serving as a member of the Bihar Legislative Council until 2014 and representing Bihar in the Rajya Sabha from 2002 to 2014.