Navaratra is an opportune time for politicos to reconnect with their electorate on the ground
During Durga Puja, while most of Bihar's population is out on the roads, politicians in the state get a two-in-one opportunity as the 'aam' and 'khaas' go pandal hopping post 'Saptami', the seventh day of Navaratra.
The political class are not just paying their respects to the deity, and seeking the choicest blessings of Ma Durga and her children, but it is also an opportune time for them to reconnect with their electorate on the ground without much hassle.
Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar was among the first to be seen at a popular Puja pandal near Dak Bungalow crossing in the state capital on Saptami. It is one of his regular pandals which he visits every year during Navaratra. A number of other ministers, and legislators, and Opposition leaders too were spotted at various Puja destinations across Bihar.
Politicos, who weren't out on Saptami, came out on Maha Ashtami and were once again led by the CM who visited traditional Devi temples in and around the capital seeking blessings. Kumar prayed at Ma Sheetla Devi Mandir at Agamkuan, and the popular Choti Patan Devi and Badi Patan Devi in Patna City, Ramkrishna Mission Ashram, and Bengali Akhada, which are thronged by hundreds of devotees during Navaratra. He also interacted with the people and asked about the festivities, sources said.
The BJP brigade pandal visit was led by Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and former deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi, both of whom prayed as well as interacted with the people at the pandal. They also posed for shutterbugs.
Patnaites observed that this is the first time, after last year's assembly polls that so many politicians are being seen among commoners, praying for the well being of the state.
Former deputy CM Rabri Devi, and her son, and state health minister, Tej Pratap Yadav performed Navami Puja at their home in the presence of family members and friends.
Interestingly, this year, some Puja pandals in Bihar have taken a leaf out of CM Nitish Kumar's prohibition agenda and are trying to create public awareness against alcohol consumption through messages and cartoons.
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