With elections just a few months away, politicians are trying to sway a bulk votes that are invariably tied to religious groups.
In election year, votes matter, and no opportunity can be missed to attract voters. Keeping the ball rolling, top leaders from BJP and Congress in Rajasthan are now on a temple run.
With elections just a few months away, politicians are trying to sway a bulk votes that are invariably tied to religious groups. They can thus be regularly seen bowing before them and seeking blessings.
The leaders of both parties are making it a point to visit famous temples in areas that they tour. Their focus is on visiting temples of local deities, prominent saints of various communities, important historical figures, and other persons revered by different communities.
Their logic is quite simple. Local deities have committed followers, and saints, too, command a sizeable number of devotees. Further, they have a say in influencing the decisions of their followers.
Wednesday saw PCC chief Sachin Pilot visit the Veer Tejaji temple of folk deity Baba Ramdev at Ladnu in Nagaur district. Pilot engaged in similar efforts even during the recent by-polls. Then also he had visited several temples and met saints of particular communities.
Being in power makes the situation more advantageous for BJP. Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has announced over 36 panoramas of folk deities and historical heroes to be made at a cost of Rs 105 crore. An amount of Rs 600 crore has also been sanctioned for renovation and repair of temples and pilgrimage spots. Raje herself is making it a point to personally visit either to lay the foundation stone or to inaugurate the panoramas.
Utmost care has been taken to include folk deities and historical heroes of different communities and regions.
"Every community and region of Rajasthan owes their allegiance to different saints or leaders. People hold them in high regard. We want the youth to know about them. Our efforts are appealing to the people," said Omkar Singh Lakhawat, Chairman Rajasthan Heritage Protection and Promotion Authority.
"We need the blessings of both the voters and the almighty. When our leaders visit different locations, they seek the blessings of gods or saints venerated by the people there," said Pratap Singh Khachariawas, spokesperson for Congress.
Both Khachariawas and Lakhawat agreed that the visits enhance public connect, and refused to link them to electoral gain.
All Inclusive
- BJP and Cong ledaers are visiting spiritual leaders, temples of various Rajasthani communities.
- Utmost care has been taken to include deities and heroes of all communities.
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