Raipur, March 1, 2026 : Mr. Vijay Sharma, Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, participated in the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony for a Ram Temple at Thakurdia Khurd village in Mahasamund district on Saturday. The ceremony was conducted with traditional rituals and Vedic chants, drawing a large gathering of devotees and local residents.

The Deputy Chief Minister performed the rituals and laid the foundation stone for the temple amid religious observances. Addressing the gathering, he described Lord Ram as a symbol of Indian culture, values, and moral discipline, stating that the construction of Ram temples reflects social faith and unity.

Referring to the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, he said its construction stands as a remarkable example of collective resolve and devotion within the Sanatan community. He noted that the temple at Thakurdia Khurd will be built using a brick brought from Ayodhya, calling it a meaningful and symbolic beginning. He also urged the community to complete the temple construction within the stipulated time frame and appreciated the contributions made by local residents toward the project.

On the occasion, Sharma announced the construction of a community hall in Thakurdia Khurd at a cost of ₹20 lakh. He also declared that a new assembly hall would be built at the Janpad Panchayat in Pithora with an estimated expenditure of ₹25 lakh, aimed at strengthening local civic infrastructure.

Prominent religious leaders including Shri Umeshanand Giri Maharaj and Shri Krishnanand Giri Maharaj were present at the event. Among the political dignitaries in attendance were Member of Parliament Smt. Roop Kumari Choudhary, former Andhra Pradesh Cabinet Minister Shri Amar Singh Tilawat, BJP District President Etaram Sahu, former MP Chunnilal Sahu, District Panchayat President Mongra Patel, Janpad President Usha Purushottam Ghritlahare, Janpad Vice President Brahmanand Patel, District Panchayat Vice President Bhikham Thakur, BJP District Spokesperson Swapnil Tiwari, Mahila Morcha District President Smita Chandrakar, Yuva Morcha District President Aman Verma, Youth District President Bala Chandrakar, and Organizing Committee member Shri Ajay Nayak.

The ceremony concluded with community prayers and expressions of support for the temple’s timely completion.