Modi visits Guruvayur temple in Kerala, thanks people for victory
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a visit to the famous Guruvayur temple in Kerala on Saturday, sending a strong political message that the southernmost state is not off BJP's mind. He reportedly made a donation of Rs. 39,421 at the famed Lord Krishna temple. Kerala Governor P Sathasivam, MoS External Affairs V Muraleedharan and Kerala Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran accompanied him. Here's more.
Details
PM Modi weighed himself against 100 kg of lotus
This is PM Modi's first visit to Kerala before he leaves for the Maldives for his first official foreign trip after being re-elected. PM Modi was dressed for the occasion as he donned a mundu and veshti. He performed the ritual "thulabharam", in which he weighed himself against 100 kg of lotus. He also offered ghee and a special variety of red banana (kathali).
Twitter Post
Here is a clip of PM Modi's visit
The Guruvayur Temple is divine and magnificent. Prayed at this iconic Temple for the progress and prosperity of India. pic.twitter.com/sB5I4GEYZA
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 8, 2019
Temple
PM Modi visited the temple in 2008 too
Guruvayur temple is one of the most prominent temples of Kerala and is said to be some 5,000 years old. PM Modi had visited this iconic temple in 2008 too after becoming Gujarat's CM for the second time. After spending some time at the temple, PM Modi addressed a rally. Speaking on Nipah outbreak, he assured all possible help from the Centre.
Statement
Kerala is as much mine as Varanasi: PM Modi
In his address, PM Modi spoke about the importance of elections. "After elections, it becomes more important to have a sense of responsibility towards the 130 crore citizens. Those who made us win our ours, those who did not make us win are also ours. Kerala is as much mine as Varanasi," he said. He said he will serve the people of the country.
Twitter Post
PM Modi thanked people of Kerala
I applaud the supporters and people of Kerala for their active participation in the festival of democracy to strengthen the democratic fabric of our nation: PM Modi #KeralaWelcomesModi
— BJP (@BJP4India) June 8, 2019
Rahul's visit
Earlier, Rahul Gandhi also visited Kerala
Before PM Modi's visit to Kerala, the state was visited by his political rival Rahul Gandhi. The Congress President, who won from Wayanad, has been sulking after his party was reduced to 52 seats. Addressing people in his constituency, Rahul said, "We're committed to defending space of opposition, defending weak people in this country, defending people who are under attack by Modi's policies."