Mysore/Mysuru, Jan. 28 -- Sculptor Arun Yogiraj of the city, who sculpted the idol of Lord Ram that was consecrated at Ayodhya's Ram Mandir on Jan. 22, Ramdas, the owner of the land at Harohalli in Mysuru taluk where the black schist stone used for sculpting the idol was found and mining contractor Srinivas, who excavated the stone from Ramdas's land and transported it to Ayodhya, were felicitated by the BJP at a ceremony held at Arun Yogiraj's residence "Kashayapa Shilpakala Niketana" near Basaveshwara Circle in the heart of the city on Friday.

Speaking on the occasion, MP Pratap Simmha said that the BJP will pay Mining Contractor Srinivas Rs. 80,000, the penalty imposed by the State Mines and Geology Department for unauthorized excavat...