TFP Bureau, Raipur, September 9, 2024: On the second day of his visit to Raigarh, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai visited the revered Shri Banjari Mai Temple at Taraimal Dham on Sunday, where he offered prayers for the prosperity and well-being of the people of Chhattisgarh.
During the visit, the Chief Minister unveiled statues of three devoted caretakers of the temple—Pujari Shri Ramgopal Maharaj Ji, Ankur Malakar Ji, and priestess Sonagiri Mata Ji—who dedicated their lives to maintaining the temple’s rituals and caretaking. These statues were installed on the temple premises to honor their legacy.
Chief Minister Shri Sai also laid the foundation stone for several new construction projects at the temple, amounting to Rs 2.51 crore, with contributions from various organizations. He further announced that Tamnar would be granted the status of Nagar Panchayat, signifying its development into a municipal town.
Accompanying the Chief Minister were District Minister Shri Ram Vichar Netam, Finance Minister Shri OP Choudhary, Rajya Sabha MP Shri Devendra Pratap Singh, and Lok Sabha MP Shri Radheshyam Rathia.
In his speech, CM Shri Sai expressed gratitude to Maa Banjari, attributing his rise in public office to her blessings. He highlighted the ongoing efforts of the state government under the leadership of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, emphasizing initiatives like the Mahtari Vandan and Ram Lala Darshan Yojana, which help over 8,000 people visit religious sites like Ayodhya and Kashi each month.
CM Sai also acknowledged the role of Ankur Gautia, a key figure in the development of Banjari Dham, who would travel long distances to serve the temple.
“Tamnar to Become Nagar Panchayat”
During the event, Chief Minister Sai made several key announcements, including the elevation of Tamnar to Nagar Panchayat status. He also allocated Rs 50 lakh for a community building in Chharratangar and announced the construction of five staff quarters at Punjipathra Police Station. Additionally, he confirmed the introduction of MA classes at Gharghoda College and directed the preparation of plans for a culvert on the Kukkut river.
Ministerial Support and Development Commitments
District In-charge and Agriculture Minister Shri Ram Vichar Netam emphasized the close connection of the Chief Minister and Finance Minister to Raigarh, noting that both leaders have risen to prominence due to the blessings of Maa Banjari. He praised the collaborative efforts of private organizations and the government in developing the temple and the surrounding region.
Finance Minister Shri OP Choudhary also spoke at the event, expressing his honor in participating in the unveiling of the statues. He highlighted the ongoing road construction between Raigarh and Gharghoda, assuring the public that the remaining work would be completed soon after the monsoon season.
MP Shri Radheshyam Rathia thanked the Chief Minister for attending the event and acknowledged the rapid infrastructural development in the region, particularly in road construction.
The event concluded with the release of the Banjari Dham souvenir and the honoring of notable individuals, including Shri Banchha Nidhi Bhoi and Shri IP Sharma.
