Bengal LoP Joins Ram Mandir Stone Laying Ceremony in Nandigram

Suvendu Adhikari, the Opposition Leader in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, participated in the laying of the foundation stone of a new Ram Temple on Sunday, which was organized in his constituency Nandigram in East Midnapore district.

The new temple, which will be situated in Sonachura village, is being planned on the lines of the sacred Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The temple campus will be about three acres in extent and will also have supporting facilities such as dispensaries that will provide both Ayurvedic and allopathic treatments, said Adhikari.

Wearing a saffron cloth, Adhikari graced the religious ceremony where ceremonial foundation stone-laying was conducted by Kalpana Maity, widow of Debarata Maity — one of seven villagers who had died in Sonachura at the hands of the Left Front government's goons during anti-land acquisition protests in 2007.

Addressing the function, Adhikari said, "The ceremonial ceremony of the ground-breaking and foundation stone laying of the temple dedicated to Lord Rama following the historic holy Ram Janmabhoomi Temple at Ayodhya was performed in keeping with Indian Santani culture and religious practices."

He also called the occasion a milestone for followers who believe in the values that Lord Rama represents — namely dharma (righteousness), courage, and compassion.

The building of this temple is not merely the laying of bricks and mortar, it is the creation of a legacy of faith, unity, and cultural pride. I am profoundly thankful to be a part of this historic occasion that will inspire future generations," he further said.

Adhikari also observed a visible rise in public fervor for the Ram Navami festivities this year, indicating that it had been higher than in earlier years. "If such is the scenario in the afternoon, by 10 p.m. streets of whole Bengal will be in the hands of the Hindus," he stated.