Continuing his Gujarat election strategy, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi will visit religious institutions like Huligemma Devi temple in Koppal district and Gavi Siddheshwara Mutt on Saturday. Huligemma temple is believed to have been self-manifested in the form of a rock along the banks of river Tungabhadra, and it is believed to be an abode of Goddess Durga.
However, a visit to the Gavi Siddheshwara Mutt could be attributed a larger political significance. The Mutt is related to the Lingayat community, which has been conducting stirs for a separate 'religious minority' status, contesting that the Lingayats were not part of the Hindu religion nor the Veerashaiva sect. It is widely presumed that the Congress is strongly backing the movement. Various rallies conducted by the community had urged the state government to represent their case before the Centre to accord independent religious status to the Lingayats.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had assured the Lingayat leaders of placing their demand before the Centre, irking the BJP. While, the Lingayat community has been a traditional vote bank for the BJP, the Congress government's enthusiasm and support to the agitation is unsettling for the saffron party.
Karnataka polls will be a crucial one, given that a victory would work well for both the Congress and the BJP. The state is the last big bastion of the Hand, and the saffron party, which reigns in 19 states, is looking to increase its tally and fulfil the idea of a Congress-mukt Bharat.
The Congress chief will also address campaign rallies and programmes during the visit.
He will address a public meeting and launch a 'yatra' at Municipal Ground in Hosapete city in Bellari district. He will be given a reception by district congress committee workers at Munirabad Huligi Cross in Koppal district.
(Inputs from PTI)
