Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (AM)

Bengaluru, Dec 21: With Congress yielding good results in the Gujarat polls after Rahul Gandhi’s visits to temples, the newly elected president of the grand old party is all set to continue visiting temples in Karnataka ahead of the elections in 2018.

With renewed vigour, Congress’ new agenda saw Rahul visit 27 temples. The party bagged 18 seats in these constituencies. Rahul had kicked off this temple run during his Deoria to Delhi Kisan Yatra before the Uttar Pradesh polls. BJP has dubbed the new move from Congress as 'soft Hindutva'.

Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president G Parameshwara accepting the fact said that visiting places of worship is a common thing during elections. “Rahul will visit temples here. The schedule of his visits is yet to be decided,” he said.

Countering BJP’s hard line Hindutva with its newfound 'soft Hindutva', Chief Minister Siddaramaiah tweeted on Wednesday, “Are BJP leaders the only Hindus? Are we not Hindus, too? My name is Siddaramaiah - I'm Sidda (ready in Kannada) and Rama. Has the BJP taken up a contract for Hindutva? We're also Hindus, but we respect all religions. That's our culture and that's true Hindutva.”

BJP had dismissed Rahul’s temple visits as publicity stunt and many of the leaders had even questioned him about his religion. But, the new strategy paid off for Congress.