Kameshwar Chaupal, a leading figure in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the man who had laid the first foundation stone of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya in 1989, died at the age of 69 in a Delhi hospital on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and several other leaders across the nation have condoled his death.

Who was Kameshwar Chaupal?

A committed figure of Dalitcommunity from Supaul in Bihar, Kameshwar Chaupal was one of the strongest supporters of the Ram Janmabhoomi cause. The life and legacy left behind have gone deep into both religious and social spheres of India. In addition to his work in the temple movement, Chaupal was a member of the Bihar Legislative Council from 2002 to 2014. Though his attempt to win the Supaul Lok Sabha seat in 2014 on a BJP ticket was not successful, his impact on Indian politics was still profound.

How did leaders react to his passing?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media site X to post his condolences remembering Chaupal as a "diligent devotee of Lord Ram" whose contribution was monumental in the temple's construction.

“I am deeply saddened by the demise of senior BJP leader and trustee of Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Kameshwar Chaupal ji. He was a dedicated Ram devotee who made a valuable contribution to the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya,” wrote PM Modi. He also pointed out the legacy of Chaupal which was that of a crusader for oppressed sections.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also shared his heartfelt tributes, recalling Chaupal's pivotal role in the 1989 foundation stone ceremony for the Ram Temple.

“His entire life was dedicated to religious and social work,” Adityanathsaid, adding his prayers for Chaupal's soul to find peace.

Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary joined in mourning Chaupal’s death, praising his unwavering commitment to the Ram Janmabhoomi cause.

"May God grant a place to the departed soul in his lotus feet and give strength to his loved ones," said Choudhary.

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