Ram Mandir Nears Completion; Nripendra Misra Calls Rift Reports 'Made-up'
Nripendra Misra, chairman of the Ram Mandir Construction Committee, has categorically dismissed media reports suggesting a rift with Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra general secretary Champat Rai. Calling such stories a “made-up story,” Misra asserted that both officials are working in unison to complete the temple, which is now in its final stages.
The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is one of India’s most significant ongoing construction projects. The temple, being built at the site believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram, has seen rapid progress since the foundation was laid in August 2020. Misra, a former principal secretary to the Prime Minister, was appointed chairman of the construction committee in 2021. Champat Rai, a senior RSS functionary, has been overseeing the trust’s daily operations, including coordination with architects, engineers, and the public.
In a statement to the media, Misra said that “reports of a disagreement between me and Champat Rai ji are completely baseless.” He emphasized that the trust’s leadership and the construction committee share a common objective — the timely and quality completion of the temple. “We have had multiple meetings, and there has been no difference of opinion on any important matter,” he added.
The construction of the Ram Mandir is nearing completion. The temple complex, designed in the traditional Nagara architectural style, spans over 2.7 acres and includes the main sanctum, five mandaps, and a grand entrance. The upper floors and domes have been completed, and the final touches, including ornamental carvings and installations, are underway. The trust has announced that the temple will be open to the public soon, with the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony earlier this year drawing thousands of devotees.
Misra’s denial comes in the wake of speculation that differences had emerged over the pace of construction and certain administrative decisions. However, those close to the project maintain that such reports were unfounded and likely stem from routine discussions being misinterpreted. The trust has repeatedly stated that the temple construction is being carried out with the cooperation of all bodies involved, and there is no discord.
The completion of the Ram Mandir marks a landmark moment in India’s cultural and religious history. The construction, which began after a long-standing legal and social movement, has been closely watched by millions. With the structure now nearly ready, the focus is shifting to the consecration of the deities and the management of the expected influx of pilgrims.
Both Misra and Rai are expected to continue their roles until the project is fully complete. Misra reiterated that the committee and the trust are “fully aligned” and that any suggestion otherwise is “far from the truth.” He also expressed gratitude to the workers and engineers who have been working round-the-clock to meet the deadlines.
As the temple nears its final phase, the official position is clear: there is no rift, only a shared resolve to see the Ram Mandir rise to its full glory. The trust has appealed to the public not to trust speculative reports and to await official announcements regarding the temple’s opening dates and related ceremonies.
