Modi trying to influence Karnataka voters with Nepal temple-visits: Congress
What's the story
The Congress accused PM Narendra Modi of trying to influence Karnataka voters on the polling day through his temple visits in Nepal. Polling is underway in 222 out of 224 seats in Karnataka which is witnessing a three-cornered contest. Modi today prayed at Nepal's iconic Muktinath temple regarded sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists, becoming the first world leader to offer prayers there.
Details
Modi timed Nepal visit on the Karnataka poll date
Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot alleged that the Prime Minister had timed his visit to the Himalayan nation on the Karnataka poll date, and was "giving a message to Hindus" in the southern state of Karnataka. Alleging violation of the model code of conduct, he said Modi's temple visits in Nepal were being aired on the day of polling in Karnataka.
Temple Visits
Not a good tradition in a democracy, says Gehlot
"This is not a good tradition in a democracy. In Gujarat also, he held a road show after voting. Today, he has adopted a new path," Gehlot said. "When Karnataka is polling today, he has gone to Nepal and is worshipping in temples there, as he could not do so in the southern state due to elections," the Congress leader added.
Message to Hindus
Nepal visit had been planned earlier: Gehlot
Gehlot said Modi, through his temple visits, was giving out a message to voters in Karnataka of how religious he was. "If one asks him (Modi), no other person is Hindu, except the BJP and RSS people, besides him and Amit Shah," the AICC General Secretary said. The former Rajasthan CM reiterated that Modi timed his Nepal visit to coincide with Karnataka polls.
Information
Modi offered prayers at Pashupatinath temple, too
Apart from Muktinath temple, PM Modi also offered prayers at the Pashupatinath temple, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. The Pashupatinath temple is regarded as the most sacred and oldest temple of Shiva (Pashupati) in Nepal.