Rationalist dare astrologers to predict poll results

The Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti (MANS), a rationalist organisation on Monday threw the gauntlet at astrologers to predict the poll results and take Rs 21 lakh. The rationalist body founded by late Dr Narendra Dabholkar even released a set of questions that the astrologer will have to answer and send it to them by May 20. This is the second time the organisation has announced award for election results. They had made a similar announcement during the 2014 polls.

"We are not sure if anyone will take up the offer this time too. We have been announcing awards for a long time but this time the award money will be Rs 21 lakhs," said Avinash Patil, state secretary of MANS.

Astrologers looking to participate and take up the challenge will have to send a D.D. of Rs 1,000 with their replies. Each of the five questions have seven sub-questions. The astrologer will have to give accurate number of seats. "They will have to give precise answers. We are not talking about fortune tellers or psephologists. Our challenge is to those who are into astrology and claim that things happen to the sun and moon. They are fooling people. Astrology is not a science but an art," said Patil.

Among the questions are the seats won by parties in country, percentage of votes by prominent leaders like PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi and Kanhaiya Kumar, name of candidates who will be winning in some seats, and number of NOTA votes among others.

Chandrashekhar Bhave, an astrologist said that he can tell which party will be in majority. "Accurate results cannot be given because for that Kundali of each party and candidate is required. MANS has the habit of picking on soft targets like astrologers. They should focus on fighting Andhashraddha instead," Bhave said.

STAR-STRUCK

• Astrologer will have to send specific answer by May 20 with a DD of Rs 1,000
• MANS claims astrology is not a science but an art
• •Questions range from the specific seats won by parties in country to percentage of votes garnered by PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi and Kanhaiya Kumar
• •Other questions include name of candidates who will be winning in some seats, and number of NOTA votes among others