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Will temple visits help Congress to win Gujrat?

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GANESH65

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As Congress president, Rahul Gandhi's challenge will be to win Hindu hearts without becoming poor Hindutva copy

Principal tasks before Rahul Gandhi as Congress president will be to evolve strategies for countering Hindu nationalism without alienating the Hindus and ensuring Other Backward Classes (OBC) politics doesn't stump the party. These two tasks dwarf the challenges most media commentators have identified for Rahul — those of forging alliances with regional players and building the party organisation.



The Congress has been opposed to Hindu nationalism through its 132 years of existence. But this ideological position lost its edge ever since the BJP initiated the Ram Janmabhoomi movement in the late 1980s. Since then, the Congress has hemmed and hawed, hoping Hindu nationalism will somehow pale before issues of development, rozi-roti, and creation of jobs. Indeed, the cyclical waning of Hindu nationalism enabled the Congress to return to power in 1991, 2004 and 2009.
Despite the ongoing economic slowdown, a glance at the political calendar of 2018 will affirm that Hindu nationalism and OBC politics will dominate in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. This is because the Supreme Court will have mostly likely delivered the judgment on the title suit pertaining to Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid, better known as the Ayodhya case, the draft National Register of Citizens for Assam will have been prepared, and the sub-categorisation of OBCs completed.
Here is how the three issues — Ayodhya, Assam, sub-categorisation — will play out in 2018, posing a challenge to Gandhi as he helms the Congress.
Ayodhya
From 5 December, a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra will begin to hear the final arguments in the Ayodhya case. Misra stated in August that there would be no adjournments in the hearing. This has led many to conclude that the chief justice hopes to decide the case before he retires on 2 October, 2018. Why else would he have disallowed adjournments?
The final arguments will generate debates in the media on secularism versus Hindutva, faith versus rationality, whether it is possible to prove the precise birth place of Lord Ram, or that a temple was demolished to build the Babri Masjid. It is just the sort of political ambience in which the BJP had prospered in the past, and the Congress suffered. Rahul will have to therefore decide on the voice the Congress should adopt in media debates, alienating neither the Hindus nor Muslims — a tall order indeed.
rahul-gandhi-gujarat-Twitter-officeofRG1.jpg
File image of Rahul Gandhi. Twitter @OfficeofRG

Assuming the judgment favours the building of a Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The Sangh Parivar, as is its wont, will turn it into a spectacular event, perhaps even getting kar sevaks to troop in from different parts of the country for the construction of the temple. Hindu triumphalism will turn inter-community relationship fraught. As for Rahul, he can’t but become a participant, applaud from the sidelines or remain silent.
In the scenario of the Supreme Court disallowing the building of the Ram temple, Muslim triumphalism will be no less provocative. It will certainly aggravate the hurt of those Hindus for whom, because of decades of propaganda or otherwise, it is an article of faith that Lord Ram was born at the spot where the Babri Masjid once stood. A judgment against the temple will also goad the BJP into turning the 2019 elections into a veritable referendum on Lord Ram. It will ask voters to give it a mandate that would enable it to bring in a law for overcoming the adverse Supreme Court judgment. What then will be Rahul’s stance? Will he fight the 2019 election stating unequivocally that the Supreme Court judgment has to be accepted?


In both scenarios, India could erupt. Can Rahul at least rally Congress workers and civil society to ensure that India, regardless of which way the judgment goes, doesn’t get sucked into violence?
Assam
The controversy over the draft National Register of Citizens (NRC) for Assam will also come to a boil in 2018. For those late on the NRC issue, here is a recap: The exercise for updating the NRC for Assam began in 2014, with the cut-off date for determining who is an Indian citizen pegged at 24 March, 1971. An Assamese resident has a choice from a slew of documents to prove his Indian citizenship.
The Registrar-General of India was supposed to have presented the draft NRC on 31 December, 2017. However, the state coordinator of the NRC, Prateek Hajela, told the Supreme Court on 15 November that the NRC can be completed only by 31 July, 2018. Complications have arisen because 48.9 lakh applicants submitted just gram panchayatcertificates as 'link documents' to establish their citizenship. Very simply, the 'link document' is documentary evidence to establish that the applicant’s residency in Assam is legitimate as his or her parents or grandparents were in Assam before 24 March, 1971.
A state cabinet subcommittee had accepted the gram panchayat certificate as a legitimate link document, but this was struck down by the Guwahati High Court. Of the 48.09 lakh people who have submitted only gram panchayatcertificates to the NRC authorities, around 20 lakh have been determined to be original inhabitants. This means that the citizenship claims of nearly 28 lakh are now doubtful. Since nearly 1.21 crore applications have yet to be verified, the list of those whose citizenship might come under challenge is likely to grow.
These developments have already prompted minority community organisations to protest, claiming that although they are Indians, they have been unjustifiably identified as illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. Once the draft NRC is presented to the Supreme Court, rest assured many will take to the streets. Their opposition will trigger a counter-reaction among indigenous Assamese, of whom Hindus are preponderant. It will become a Hindu versus Muslim battle.


The optics of this battle will extend beyond Assam. This is because the issue of Bangladeshi illegal immigrants has acquired a national dimension, courtesy the allegations that they have dispersed across the country. What position will Rahul take? The BJP has a distinct advantage — its electoral strategy targets Muslims to consolidate its Hindu support base. It has proved it can win without Muslim votes.
Will the Congress subtly court the Hindus, believing Muslims have no choice other than to vote for it in the hope of keeping out the BJP from power?
The sub-categorisation of OBCs
Sub-categorisation implies splitting the OBCs into two or three categories, each of which will then be apportioned a percentage of the 27 percent of government jobs and seats in educational institutes reserved for the socially and educationally-backward classes. Thus, for instance, the OBCs can be divided into Extremely Backward Classes (Group A), More Backward Classes (Group B), and Backward Classes (Group C). The 27 percent can then be split into, say, 15 percent for Group A, 8 percent for Group B, and 4 percent for Group C.
In North India at least, Yadavs will certainly get clubbed with Group C. They will consequently have fewer jobs and seats in educational institutes for which to compete in the reserved category. Yadavs constitute the support base of the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), both in alliance with the Congress. In contrast, the Extremely Backward Classes or lower OBCs will emerge as the principal beneficiaries of the sub-categorisation. They voted massively for the BJP in this year’s Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Through sub-categorisation, the BJP will likely consolidate its support base. A rift in the OBCs is likely.
The Group C castes will seek to either challenge the methodology adopted for sub-categorisation or they will raise the demand to remove the 50 percent cap on reservation. The reservation formula that the Congress offered to the state’s Patidar leader, Hardik Patel, does suggest that India’s Grand Old Party might, if push comes to shove, back the move for removing the 50 percent cap. Depending on how Gujarat votes, OBC-based parties and dominant castes, such as Patels, Jats, and Marathas, could well launch a coordinated movement for the removal of this 50 percent cap. This will shrink the opportunities of the upper caste, stoking their anger. The Congress leadership structure is dominated by the upper caste, but its voters have been consistently favouring the BJP for the last 25 years.
Will Rahul therefore support the removal of the 50 percent cap, concluding there is no point in waiting for the return of the upper caste to the Congress? This is more so as a conservative segment of the upper caste also ideologically supports Hindu nationalism. The process of sub-categorisation, according to the Central government’s timeline, should be completed in January. The Congress will be relieved if the dominant castes, the SP and the RJD decide not to strain the system. The Congress can then postpone hard decisions.
The background noise
The Sangh has already executed components of Hindu nationalism, palpable in the outbreak of lynching incidents over the issue of the cow. To this mix, the government has added yet another ingredient — its decision to criminalise triple talaq. A welcome measure otherwise, it signifies the BJP’s ploy to communally polarise voters. It is hard to imagine that the BJP wants to reform Muslims even as it relentlessly targets and torments them.
Gujarat shows the Congress is willing to compete with the BJP for Hindu votes. The BJP’s ploy has been to raise Hindu consciousness through Muslim-baiting and weld it to the idea of Hindu nationalism. In contrast, Rahul has been visiting one temple after another in the state. It is his attempt to convey to the people that the Congress isn’t anti-Hindu and pro-Muslim, a charge the BJP flings at it. But can Rahul win Hindus over only through temple visits? In a nutshell, his challenge is to win the hearts of Hindus without becoming a poor carbon copy of Hindutva.
http://www.firstpost.com/politics/a...hout-becoming-poor-hindutva-copy-4225505.html
 
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Gujarat Assembly Election 2017: Rahul Gandhi's 'soft Hindutva' holds little appeal for people of Dwarka



As I came out of the Dwarkadhish temple in Devbhoomi Dwarka, a group of pandas (priests) mistook me for a tourist and rushed towards me. However, more than my prayers, I was concerned with the politicians who attend visit the temple. During my conversation with the pandas, it seemed like they too had caught the election fever.
Arjun Thakur's family has worked for several generation in the temple. Arjun, who helps in the rituals, while talking about Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "We were happy when Rahul Gandhi came here but here it is all BJP. We will vote for Modi because he helps the nation.
Another panda Uddhav Waida said something similar, "We are all happy at Rahulji's arrival. But it doesn't make a difference. He only comes during the election. Until Modi is there, people will vote for him.
Dwarka-Amitesh.jpg
Rahul Gandhi reached Dwarka on 25 September. He started his tour with a prayer at the Dwarkadhish temple. Firstpost/Amitesh

I did not expect the pandas to speak in such a manner at the Dwarkadhish temple. However, the people present around the temple wore their opinions on their sleeves.


Arjun Thakur went a step further and even said that "Modi is gold but Rahul is silver".
Hari Rathore, who sells flowers, malas and prasad in front of the temple, said, "Rahul only comes here during election time. It will not make any difference."
Outside the temple, the people on the seashore said that there are 16 ghats which have all been made by Modi. They praised his work inside and outside the temple. Jagdish Bhai Kevat, who takes people on boat-rides said, "These efforts don't make any difference. Modi comes every time while Rahul has come for the first time.
Rahul's soft Hindutva strategy
Rahul reached Dwarka on 25 September. He started his tour with a prayer at the Dwarkadhish temple. There has been a lot of discussion during the election season on the issue of Rahul Gandhi's temple visits. In the last few months, Rahul Gandhi has prayed at various temples in different places in Gujarat.
Rahul Gandhi's temple visits are being seen as a soft Hindutva strategy of the Congress. In fact, the Congress feels that the BJP's image of Hindutva hurts it in Gujarat. The Muslim community is completely on Congress' side of Gujarat. Therefore these visits are an attempt to come on par with the BJP so that the BJP's attempt of polarisation are not successful.
Dwarka-Amitesh-2.jpg
The Dwarka temple. Firstpost/Amitesh



Congress leaders get irritated when BJP accuses Rahul Gandhi of soft Hindutva. Dwarka resident Pal Bhai Ambalia who is the secretary of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) says neither is Hindutva the not the property of of one party nor does being in the BJP make you a Hindu. Ambalia says Rahul's visit will 100 percent benefit and that the political climate has changed.
Senior journalist Chandubhai Vithalani in Dwarka says, 'The people who vote Modi will continue to do so. Everyone knows about Nehru family. Dynasty politics rules in Congress. I think this is wrong. Other people should be given chances too. According to me, Rahul Gandhi's temple visits will have no effect.'
BJP's attack on Rahul
Just a few days after Rahul's visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reached Dwarka on 7 October. After praying at the Dwarkadhish temple, he laid the foundation stone of a sea bridge between the coastal area of ​​Okha and Bet Dwarka Island. The Bet Dwarka temple is a few kilometres away from the Dwarkadhish temple, where thousands of people visit to worship Lord Krishna. All the pilgrims travel to the temple by boat. After the creation of the sea bridge, it will become much easier to reach the temple.
There is a sense of satisfaction among the people about this work done by Modi in Dwarka. Still, the BJP is not happy with Rahul's temple visits.
BJP spokesman GVL Narasimha compared Rahul Gandhi to Alauddin Khilji and Aurangzeb, saying that Alauddin Khilji and Aurangzeb visited temples too. Rahul Gandhi is running on their footprints. Rao labelled Rahul's visits to the temple as mere drama. The BJP's attack on Rahul is a deliberate, thought-out strategy using which it wants to end the Congress's soft Hindutva strategy.

http://www.firstpost.com/politics/g...ttle-appeal-for-people-of-dwarka-4225397.html
 
In my view there is nothing wrong if Shri Rahul Gandhi visits Hindu Temples and prays for the success of Congress in the elections. But I doubt whether his visits will help Congress win the elections. As per the recent Media Analysis, BJP will retain their hold this elections also. By nature Gujaraties are religious people and one of them is the Prime Minister of the Country today. There is no reason for them to give an adverse verdict in the State elections.

Brahmanyan
Bangalore.
 
Appreciate the change of strategy of the Congress which was getting branded as a Musalman party in the North!!!!
 
Honest appraisal of the working of Political parties in India will reveal the ugly truth of the present trend which has turned all Political outfits into personal property under the ownership of individual families. This unfortunate trend was started in Congress after the leadership of Party fell into the hands of Nehru-Gandhi family, after the sad demise of Nehruji. This has happened in all Political outfits in our Country. This will be confirmed when we look around, starting from South to North. DMK, (AIADMK) PMK In Tamil Nadu, JD(S), BJP in Karnataka,TDP, YSRCP in Andhra pradesh, TRS, AIMiM in Telengana,BJD in Odisha, SS, MSN, NCP in Maharashtra, RJD In Bihar, SP, BSP in UP, Akali in The Punjab, NC, PDP in J&K, and many more small Caste and community outfits. Now we see this trend permeating into the lower rungs of leader based party like Congress and Cadre based all India Parties like BJP and Communists also. The reason is simple. Politics in our Country has become very profitable business venture, well insulated against risk. It is my fervent view is that eventually this will also change as the time goes by.
Success of democracy depends on honesty of the leaders who follow it. And it is also the responsibility of the voters to support them. After the dedicated leadership of Mr Narendra Modi and organising ability of Mr Amit Shah, people, especially the new generation of youngsters started to change the voting pattern drastically. Educated dormant voters wanted a change for development. The result is what we see today.
As of now Congress has got a bright future to become an able opposition party, if they change their attitude of "high commond" mentality and encourage new young leaders to grow up naturally, instead of family rule.
Mr Rahul GandhI, can become a vibrant leader if he sheds the tendency of following the dictates of Caste and Community groups and come out of the old rut by thinking independently for the welfare of people in general. No one is prepared to appreciate his innuendos targeting Mr Modi day in and day out. Only the media is interested.
Ruling and opposition Parties are two sides of the Coin of Democracy. Both are important in a Parliamentary democracy.

Brahmanyan
Bangalore.
 
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I know the original intent of this post was political.
But let us take the headline alone.
Why do we go to Temple?
Let us say we go to the Temple with one particular desire.

Say I want to win that $100 million jackpot. Will that wish be fulfilled?
I doubt it.
But going to temple will it adversely affect my chances of winning?
I doubt that too.

If going to temple, projects the image of religiosity, and improves my standing in that society,
Why not go to the temple?


But Rahul Gandhi needs much more than a prayer to win, and he has no chance.
 
The intent of RG's visit to the temple is obviously not to invoke the grace of God. It is to appease the majority Hindu community from where he expects a big chunk of votes. It is not Bhakti , it is vote getting strategy!
 
The intent of RG's visit to the temple is obviously not to invoke the grace of God. It is to appease the majority Hindu community from where he expects a big chunk of votes. It is not Bhakti , it is vote getting strategy!

hi
i agreed...like our TN leaders do during ramadan month...iftar party with muslims....just loot their votes in the name of religion...

suddenly they think GOD and show bhakti during election period..
 
Congress spokesperson Randeep S Surjeewala claims their Vice President Rahul Gandhi is a devoted Shiva Bhakta and a "Janeu Dhari Hindu". Congress has released photos of him participating in "Homas" wearing "Janeu (பூநூல்)".
I believe, one's religious belief is his personal choice. Let us not make a joke of it.

ISKCON accepts people from all races into the fold of Krishna consciousness. They wear all external marks of a worshipper of Sri Krishna.

Brahmanyan
Bangalore.
 
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[h=1]The alleged divine Hindu icon....

Posters emerge which proclaim Rahul Gandhi as Shiv Avatar, Parshuram’s descendant and even Arjun Avatar[/h][h=1]Ever since the campaigning for the Gujarat elections began, one of the more noticeable things was Rahul Gandhi’s new found affinity for Hindu tradition and culture.[/h]
It was reported how Rahul Gandhi was visiting one temple after another in the state, including the famous Somnath Temple. Here he became a victim of a gaffe after social media erupted with reports of his name appearing in the ‘non-Hindu’ register. Rather than tactfully dealing with the issue, the Congress caused extra confusion and later took things to the next level by calling Rahul a “Janeu dhaari Hindu”.

This though didn’t dent his spirit and he continued his Temple Run by visiting the Shree Ranchhodji Temple in Kheda. Here too he had to face embarrassment after he was greeted with “Modi Modi” slogans while exiting the temple.

Based on latest information, Rahul’s temple darshans are continuing and he was last seen at Ahmedabad’s Jagannath temple on Tuesday.

This affection for Hinduism isn’t limited to Rahul and Congress party cadres have been putting up posters portraying Rahul as some divine Hindu icon.

Recently, columnist Abhinav Prakash shared a poster on twitter where its seen that Rahul Gandhi has been referred to as a Pandit:



post1.jpg


Read more at: http://www.opindia.com/2017/12/post...-parshurams-descendant-and-even-arjun-avatar/
 
The alleged divine Hindu icon....

Posters emerge which proclaim Rahul Gandhi as Shiv Avatar, Parshuram’s descendant and even Arjun Avatar


Ever since the campaigning for the Gujarat elections began, one of the more noticeable things was Rahul Gandhi’s new found affinity for Hindu tradition and culture.


It was reported how Rahul Gandhi was visiting one temple after another in the state, including the famous Somnath Temple. Here he became a victim of a gaffe after social media erupted with reports of his name appearing in the ‘non-Hindu’ register. Rather than tactfully dealing with the issue, the Congress caused extra confusion and later took things to the next level by calling Rahul a “Janeu dhaari Hindu”.

This though didn’t dent his spirit and he continued his Temple Run by visiting the Shree Ranchhodji Temple in Kheda. Here too he had to face embarrassment after he was greeted with “Modi Modi” slogans while exiting the temple.

Based on latest information, Rahul’s temple darshans are continuing and he was last seen at Ahmedabad’s Jagannath temple on Tuesday.

This affection for Hinduism isn’t limited to Rahul and Congress party cadres have been putting up posters portraying Rahul as some divine Hindu icon.

Recently, columnist Abhinav Prakash shared a poster on twitter where its seen that Rahul Gandhi has been referred to as a Pandit:



post1.jpg


Read more at: http://www.opindia.com/2017/12/post...-parshurams-descendant-and-even-arjun-avatar/

hi

ellaam kaalathin kattayam...
 
Rahul Gandhi may visit temples now but general public are well aware that Congress Party is not likely to be party in favour of Hindus, who are the majority.

It is the Congress Party that offered extra-constitutional perks and doles to people having faith on other religions.

And the mass exodus of Kashmir Pandits took place under the very nose of congress.

So, Rahul Gandhi visiting Hindu temples, is nothing but election gimmicks…
 
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