Modi to celebrate Dussehra in Lucknow | Fusion - WeRIndia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be breaking tradition and attending the historic Aishbagh Ramlila in Lucknow on Dussehra next week. Many see this as another attempt from the PM to connect with people of Uttar Pradesh where polls are coming up.

Dinesh Sharma who is BJP vice president, Lucknow Mayor and also the Ramlila’s patron, said that Modi accepted the invitation to attend the celebrations on October 11 event. The event is a very historic one going back to ancient times of Hindu saint Tulsidas.

Modi will be taking active participation in the event. He will be doing the aarti as well. Then he would fire the symbolic arrow to burn the effigy of demon kin Ravana. Every year, the tradition for the Prime Minister of India is to celebrate this festival in Nation capital.

Modi changing his visit to Lucknow could suggest the interest in assembly polls due next year in Uttar Pradesh. BJP has been make a strong effort in the state to come to power with the 15 years of gap it had since the last time it was in power. BJP will be going against ruling Samajwadi Party and main opposition of Mayawati-led BSP.

Modi is expected to interact with people in the Aishbagh Ramlila. It is a ritual which symbolizes pluralistic culture, also called ‘Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb’. The reason for it being such a symbol is because Muslim rulers patronized it and allotted it space equal to Eidgah right next to it.

In the state, there is currently a lack of strong regional leaders. Many say that BJP trying to use Modi’s appeal to boost their campaign in the state. BJP recently said that Modi will be in the state every month before the campaign picks up. At which point, he is expected to address rallies and attend several events.

Image credit: Image by Tanuj Handa from Pixabay (Free for commercial use)

Image Reference: https://pixabay.com/it/photos/dusshera-ramayana-cultura-2806170/