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Just to give an idea where I am coming from I am 64 year old lady architect interested in politics economics of the country since my young days.
Much awaited opening of new Parliament happened with appropriate pomp and controversy.I was surprised to see that President was not invited to the ceremony. Though it was understandable knowing P M Modi’s personality that he would not miss a chance to do it himself especially when he could reason that prime minister is head of parliament though President is head of state.
But It was very disturbing to see him surrounded by jata dhari sadhus when ours is unquestionably a secular country with secular constitution.
It also made abundantly clear to me at least, why President Murmu was not invited. Can’t say whether it was because of her low caste or she is a woman so was unacceptable to sadhus. Both reasons are equally despicable.
I am speaking from personal experience when BAPS Swami Narayan people put condition of no woman being present on site or site meetings while negotiating Abu Dhabi temple project. This is their medieval thought process. And I wonder in which direction we are going.
I can forgive all tactics BJP does in political field with argument that every party does it. But their systematic push and encouragement of various Godmen for votes is really taking advantage of common people’s desperation to influence their votes through these godmen.
Time and again it has been proved that people seek support of these godmen for some common reasons. One of them is health-when treatment is not affordable they seek solution this way. Secondly for daughters wedding- which for some reason is being given so much importance that it disturbs mental state of whole family including daughter making them vulnerable to all godmen and conmen. Thirdly for debt which is again because of no decent education and job opportunities.
And instead of government providing solution to these problems and educating people to take them on path to progress These people are used as religious vote banks.
When I saw the visual of him surrounded by sadhus could not help but think Ravan had also visited Sita in a garb of Sadhu. Very dangerous developments for our country.
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