'Kar Sevak' who laid Ayodhya Ram Mandir’s first brick, dies at 69

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Kameshwar Chaupal, who laid the first brick for the Ayodhya Ram Temple in 1989, passed away at the age of 69. He died on Thursday at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi, where he was receiving treatment for kidney-related ailments. He had undergone a kidney transplant in August 2024 but continued to suffer from health complications.

Chaupal was born in Bihar’s Supaul district and became widely known for his role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. On November 9, 1989, he was chosen to place the first brick (Ram Shila) at the temple’s foundation-laying ceremony in Ayodhya. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) gave him the title of "First Kar Sevak." He joined the VHP in 1982 and was later appointed Bihar state in-charge in 1989. During the movement, bricks inscribed with "Shri Ram" were collected from villages across India, along with a symbolic donation of ₹1.25 for temple construction.

After years with the VHP, Chaupal joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1991. He contested the Lok Sabha elections but was unsuccessful. However, he served two terms as a Rajya Sabha member and was also a Bihar Legislative Council member. He remained involved in political and religious affairs and was later appointed a trustee of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, overseeing temple-related matters.

Chaupal was active in public life for decades, attending events and engaging in discussions on social and religious issues. He was recognized as a representative of marginalized communities within the larger Hindutva movement. His contributions extended beyond the temple movement to various political and social initiatives in Bihar and across India. His death was confirmed by the VHP, which called it “deeply saddening and shocking.” Leaders from the RSS and BJP also expressed their condolences. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by his family.