NEW DELHI: It was a spectacular display of devotion and civilisational glory as Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated enthusiastically in day-long ceremonies held to mark the inauguration of the Kashi Vishwanath temple corridor.
The event in the Prime Minister’s parliamentary constituency of Varanasi, at which chief minister Yogi Adityanath was also present, saw PM Modi deliver another power-packed speech. With the crucial assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh months away, it was the messaging that was hard to miss.
Here are some of the themes that emerged from PM Modi’s speech and the event:
1) Modernity along with civilisational glory
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that was born out of Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh’s (RSS) view of India being a ‘vishwa guru’ attaches much importance to Indian culture and its ancient roots.
In his speech on Monday, Modi underlined that ‘vikas’ (development) and ‘virasat’ (heritage) were the twin mantras he believed in. “The present day India does not only beautify the Somnath Temple, it also lays down thousands of kilometers of optical fibre in the sea,” said Modi. He added that if a Ram Temple was being constructed, so were medical colleges. If the Kashi Vishwanath temple complex was being made more grand, house for poor were also being constructed, the prime minister made a point out.
2) Aurangzeb versus Shivaji
Many in the BJP, who often accuse the Congress of minority appeasement, claim that ruthless invaders attacked Hindu temples during medieval times. In his speech at the temple complex, Modi said that whenever an Aurangzeb moves towards the country, there is Shivaji to defend it. He added that whenever Salar Masood attacks, there is Raja Suheldev, who can come to defend.
Significantly, Raja Suheldev is widely revered in Uttar Pradesh especially among the Rajbhar community.
3) Lunch with labourers
If in his speech Modi mentioned the houses being built for the poor, this was another gesture that underlined his focus on all sections of the society. Significant, as the opposition questions the BJP’s developmental narrative claiming that benefits don’t always reach the poorer sections. Modi showered petals on labourers and workers who worked on the renovation of the corridor. The prime minister also had lunch with some of them.
4) Secular not hindrance in celebrating beliefs
Another message that the event and others before it have given is that even if he heads a secular government, the prime minister can practice his religious beliefs. The prime minister participated enthusiastically in religious ceremonies. He also witnessed the majestic evening ‘Aarti’ from a cruise.
5) Delivery
The elaborate ceremonies at launch events, UP has witnessed a few in recent days, make sure that it is etched in the mind of the people as to who had accomplished the task. Renovating a centuries old complex is not an easy task considering that area has to be acquired and families rehabilitated. That too while maintaining the sanctity of the holy place.
In his speech also Modi underlined that people who had to wait hours for ‘darshan’ will now not have to stand in long queues. The elderly and the differently-abled faced much difficulty, he said. The prime minister pointed out that upto 70,000 devotees can now be accommodated in the magnificent complex.