'Devout' Karnataka Netas on 'Poll Stroll' to Temples, Kempegowda Statue as 'Amavasya' Haunts Key Days

With the key Karnataka assembly elections just around the corner, leaders in the state seem to be gearing up with offering prayers at different temples. Several Congress, BJP, and JD(S) leaders were seen going on temple runs, especially as the last date to file nominations is approaching (April 20).

State Chief Minister and BJP leader Basavaraj Bommai recently visited the Manjunatha temple at Dharmasthala and offered prayers. This also drew some flak from the opposition as Congress leader B K Hariprasad termed his temple visits as an attempt “to atone for his sins during his rule”, a PTI report said.

The key visits by politicians to temples also come at a time when Amavasya is approaching. According to the Hindu calendar, Amavasya is considered very auspicious and will take place on April 20 this year.

During Amavasya, offerings are offered to her ancestors. It is also referred to as No Moon or New Moon Day, a Jagran report said. Notably, Amavasya will coincide with the solar eclipse this year, which also falls on Thursday, the news report further said.

Hariprasad alleged that the BJP government was steeped in corruption and malpractices during the last four years. “The Chief Minister is now doing penance for all the sins,” he said.

However, several Congress leaders have also visited temples in Karnataka in recent times. According to The Hindu, before filing nomination papers, Chittapur MLA Priyank Kharge along with party workers offered prayers at the Nagavi Yellamma Temple and at the Hazrat Chita Shah Wali Dargah in Chittapur.

Congress leader DK Shivakumar visited the Nonavi Kere Shri Kadasiddeshwar Mutt in Tipatur. “This holy place is a power center and my wishes are fulfilled by the grace of this Math. Similarly, I prayed that the wishes of the people of the country would also be fulfilled,” he said in a tweet.

Besides, former Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa’s son, BY Vijayendra visited Sri Siddalingeshwar Swami temple and offered prayers. “On this occasion, Dr. G. Parameshwar, former deputy chief minister, who had arrived for darshan, wished me well,” he said in a tweet.

Besides, the leader, who is contesting the polls from Shikaripura, was seen seeking the blessings of Congress veteran G Parameshwara at a temple in Tumkur on last week, an NDTV report said. On Wednesday (April 19), Vijayendra offered prayers ahead of filing nomination from the Shikaripur Assembly constituency, an ANI report said.

Earlier, DK Shivakumar had visited Kabbalamma Temple in the constituency to seek blessings. He also campaigned and offered a huge donation for the temple’s Hundi collection. Moreover, since devotees of Kanapura believe that bowing to Goddess Kabbalamma fulfills all their desires, Shivakumar was also seen bowing at the temple.

JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy also visited Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala last week. According to The Hindu, the leader interacted with the media on his way out of the temple and said his party doesn’t need “leaders like Jagadish Shettar”. His remarks came after former senior BJP leader and CM Jagadish Shettar decided to sever his 40-year-long ties with BJP and join Congress.

BJP National President JP Nadda also paid visits to two significant temples in Karnataka — Chennakeshava Temple in Belur & Sri Male Mahadeshwara Temple in Chamarajanagara. According to an ANI report, he also visited and offered prayers at Sri Krishna Matha temple in Karnataka’s Udupi.

“Visited the Sri Male Mahadeshwara temple in Karnataka & prayed for the prosperity and well-being of our nation,” he had said while in Chamarajanagara. During his visit to Belur, he took to Twitter and wrote, “I consider myself fortunate to have gotten the opportunity to visit the remarkable Chennakeshava Temple in Belur, Karnataka & pray to Lord Chennakesava for the progress of the nation.”

Karnataka has been a BJP bastion for a long time and is their single big foray into southern India.

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