Calling political contest ‘vote jihad’ wrong, Hindu society must counter it: Ram temple treasurer
Pune (PTI): Swami Govinddev Giri, the treasurer of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, said on Sunday that it was wrong to describe a political fight as “vote jihad”, asserting that the Hindu society must counter it.
His comments come amid Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s attacks on “vote jihad” and calls to respond to it with ‘dharma-yudh’.
Speaking to reporters here, the Hindu seer said directions about whom to vote were earlier discretely issued from religious places by distributing pamphlets but slogans like ‘vote jihad’ are now being openly given.
The religious leader said 'jihad' is equivalent to ‘dharma-yudh’.
“Calling a fight between two political parties 'yudh' is not right. But since ‘vote jihad’ is being openly advocated, it must be countered by the Hindu society without hesitation,” he said.
Voting is the right and responsibility of good citizens, said the religious leader from Ayodhya Ram temple.
“Being a true Hindu is pro-humanity, and treating everyone equally like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” he said, adding, “We should tolerate injustice as well.”
Earlier, referring to a purported appeal by an Islamic scholar for “vote jihad” against the BJP-led Mahayuti government, Fadnavis had called for a “dharma-yudh of votes” to counter it.
During a few rallies in Pune ahead of the November 20 assembly polls, Fadnavis had played a video by Islamic scholar Sajjad Nomani and claimed that the slogan of “vote-Jihad” was raised.
It is being said that a person who votes for the BJP must be ostracised, Fadnavis claimed.
“If these people are trying to do vote jihad, if they are saying they will destabilise the government through vote jihad, then you will also have to do dharma-yudh of votes,” Fadnavis had said in a swipe at the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi.
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Pushpa bows down to no one, but will do so for you: Allu Arjun to fans at 'Pushpa 2' trailer launch
New Delhi, Nov 17: Telugu star Allu Arjun, who launched the trailer of his upcoming film "Pushpa 2: The Rule" in Patna on Sunday, expressed gratitude to fans for showering their love on him by turning up in huge numbers for the event.
"Pushpa 2" is directed by Sukumar and also stars Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil.
The trailer of the much-awaited sequel to 2021's "Pushpa: The Rise" was unveiled at the jam-packed Gandhi Maidan in the Bihar capital. Also present at the event was Rashmika, who plays Srivalli to Arjun's gangster Pushpa Raj.
It was Arjun's first visit to Bihar.
"I am grateful to all of you for your love and warm welcome," he said at the event.
"Pushpa kabhi jhukega nahin, lekin aaj pehli baar, aapke pyaar ke liye jhukega (Pushpa will never bow down in front of anyone, but for the first time, he will bow down only for your love)" the National Award winner said in reference to his popular dialogue from the 2021 original film.
"Thank you Patna, you have given me a lot of love," Arjun said as he asked the audience to forgive him for his "thoda galat" (poor) Hindi speaking skills.
A stampede-like situation erupted at the venue before the trailer launch began following which police resorted to a mild lathicharge to control the crowd.
Videos of a section of spectators from the same event hurling slippers towards the stage also started circulating on social media on Sunday evening.
Produced by Mythri Movie Makers and Sukumar Writings with music on T-Series, "Pushpa 2" will be released on December 5.
PUSHPA! PUSHPA! PUSHPA! PUSHPA! PUSHPA!
— Mythri Movie Makers (@MythriOfficial) November 17, 2024
𝐆𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐡𝐢 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐧, 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐧𝐚 is packed with crowd for a historical evening ❤️🔥
The massive #Pushpa2TheRuleTrailer Launch Event begins soon!
▶️https://t.co/mcCyP4TAZ6
Digital Launch at 6.03 PM 🔥#PatnaWelcomesPushpaRaj… pic.twitter.com/8Mtnyreu1K
