Assam: Morigaon MLA Ramakanta Deuri funds temple renovation from personal resources, draws attention ahead of polls

As political parties intensify outreach efforts ahead of the forthcoming elections, Morigaon MLA Ramakanta Deuri has drawn attention with a gesture that goes beyond routine electoral politics—funding the renovation of a religious institution using his own personal resources.

In a significant public welfare initiative, Deuri has financed the reconstruction of the roof of the Ras Mandir at Geruwa in Morigaon district, addressing a long-pending demand of local residents. The temple, a key socio-religious centre of the area, had fallen into a severely dilapidated condition over the years.

According to local sources, the MLA spent nearly Rs 7 lakh from his personal funds to install a new tin-sheet roof, completing the work without waiting for assistance under any government scheme. Residents said the deteriorating structure had long posed difficulties during religious gatherings and community events.

Locals recalled that Geruwa earlier fell under the Lahorighat constituency, during which period the area remained relatively neglected in terms of development. Following constituency reorganisation and its inclusion under Morigaon, residents say Deuri has accorded focused attention to the region’s infrastructural and social needs.

Apart from the Ras Mandir renovation, the MLA has reportedly taken initiatives to improve facilities associated with Namghars, religious congregational spaces, Chhath Puja sites and other community institutions, reinforcing his emphasis on grassroots development.

Senior residents also highlighted road infrastructure improvements, particularly the development of the Kushtoli–Geruwa road and several other major and minor roads, which have eased connectivity and daily movement for locals.

What has stood out for many residents is that despite Geruwa’s electorate not having voted in the Morigaon constituency yet—owing to delimitation-related changes—the MLA has carried out development works without discrimination. Locals view this as a reflection of political commitment that transcends electoral calculations.

The initiative has generated goodwill across Geruwa, with residents stating that such actions have strengthened their confidence in Deuri’s leadership and their willingness to support him in the upcoming elections.