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Amit Shah's Bengal Visit: ISKCON Event Focus Over Politics Ahead of Polls

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is visiting Mayapur in West Bengal to participate in religious functions at the ISKCON temple. The visit marks the 152nd holy appearance day of Vaishnav revivalist Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati. BJP insiders indicate Shah is unlikely to make direct political statements during his scheduled speech, despite the upcoming state assembly elections. His itinerary includes paying tribute to ISKCON founder A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and participating in several pujas.

Key Points: Amit Shah Attends ISKCON Event in Bengal's Mayapur

  • Religious visit over political messaging
  • Attending 152nd appearance day of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati
  • Schedule includes multiple temple rituals
  • Visit occurs ahead of state elections
  • Speech closely watched for subtle cues
2 min read

Amit Shah in Bengal today, to attend ISKCON event in Mayapur

Union Home Minister Amit Shah visits Mayapur for a religious function at ISKCON temple, with insiders suggesting he will avoid direct political speeches.

"The Union Home Minister is likely to avoid making direct political speeches at the programme, despite his visit coming ahead of the Assembly elections - BJP state committee member"

Kolkata, Feb 18

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to participate in a religious function at the International Society for Krishna Consciousness temple at Mayapur in West Bengal's Nadia district later in the day and also address a gathering on the occasion.

However, insiders from the West Bengal unit of the BJP said that, considering the religious fervour of the programme, the Union Minister is unlikely to make any direct political statement while delivering his address on the occasion.

"The main reason behind the Union Home Minister's Mayapur visit is to attend the religious congregation on the occasion of the 152nd holy appearance day of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, the 19th-century Vaishnav revivalist and founder of the Gaudiya Math. Since the entire programme throughout the day at ISKCON temple, Mayapur, is based on that auspicious occasion, the Union Home Minister is likely to avoid making direct political speeches at the programme, despite his visit coming ahead of the Assembly elections in the state," a state committee member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal said.

As per the schedule, the Union Home Minister will arrive at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport around 2 p.m. on Wednesday, and from there he will directly fly by a special chopper to Mayapur. The Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, and a couple of other state BJP leaders will accompany him to Mayapur.

After landing at around 2.25 p.m., he will reach the ISKCON temple premises by a golf cart.

As per the schedule provided by the BJP, after arriving at the temple, he will pay tribute at the statue of ISKCON founder, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Thereafter, he will participate in several religious functions like Narsingh Puja, Panchayatana Puja, and Ashtasakhi Puja, among others.

At around 3 p.m., the Union Home Minister will arrive at the main dais of the programme, and as per the schedule, his speech on the occasion will start at 3.20 p.m. "Although it is unlikely to make any direct political speech on the occasion, all eyes and ears will be on his speech to see whether he gives any subtle message or not," said a state committee member of the BJP.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
With elections around the corner, it's hard to believe any visit is completely non-political. Even a 'subtle message' from the Home Minister will be analyzed for political meaning. The timing is just too convenient.
R
Rohit P
ISKCON does fantastic work globally in promoting Indian culture and spirituality. Having a senior minister attend such an event brings positive attention to our traditions. Jai Shri Krishna!
A
Ananya R
I appreciate that the article mentions he's likely to avoid direct political speeches. It shows respect for the sanctity of the religious function. Let's hope the focus stays on Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati's teachings.
M
Michael C
Visiting a place of worship is fine, but the optics matter. When a top politician visits a specific religious site before elections, it's often seen as a way to connect with a particular voter base. It's a delicate balance.
K
Kavya N
The schedule sounds very detailed! From the chopper to the golf cart. While it's a religious event, the security and logistics for a Home Minister's visit are understandably massive. Hope it doesn't disrupt the devotees too much.

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