Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Rajasthan's Bhilwara district on Saturday to mark the 111th birth anniversary of Lord Devnarayan, a Gujjar deity. The PM will offer prayers at the temple and address a gathering.
Modi is also expected to attend an event at Malaseri village, the birthplace of Lord Devnarayan.
The prime minister's visit comes months ahead of the Rajasthan assembly elections. The BJP has denied any political links to the PM's visit, but the event could have political significance as it is seen as the party's outreach to the Gujjar community in the state, and woo them away from the Congress. The Gujjars are about nine per cent to 12 per cent of the population in the state and they are significant in 40 to 50 assembly seats in eastern Rajasthan, NDTV stated in a report.
According to reports, the Gujjar community is upset with the Rajasthan Congress as Sachin Pilot, a leader from the community, was not made chief minister. The power tussle between Pilot and Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has already raised concerns in the state.
The Rajasthan government on Friday announced a holiday on Devnarayan Jayanti. According to a state government statement, Chief Minister Gehlot took the decision keeping in mind the faith of the common man and the demand of public representatives.
Devnarayan Board president Jogendra Singh Awana, state Industry minister Shakuntala Rawat, Minister of State for Sports Ashok Chandna and other public representatives had written letters to the chief minister, demanding that Lord Devnarayan Jayanti be declared a holiday.
-with PTI inputs
