Polls in mind, Rajnath makes the most of Sankranti

Polls in mind, Rajnath makes the most of Sankranti
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

LUCKNOW, JAN 14: It was Makar Sankranti today and UP state BJP clinched it as the best time to demonstrate its pro-Hindutva face with ``khichri'' tactics, just perfect to match the occasion.

Chief Minister Rajnath Singh feasted with nearly 3,000 people including porters, rickshaw pullers and beggars while state party chief Kalraj Mishra lunched with mediapersons. Urban Development Minister Lalji Tandon will dine with nearly 5,000 people tomorrow. The menu of these gatherings was `khichri', a prepartion which is mandatory in every Hindu family on Sankranti day.

With Singh himself much interested in the exercise, the entire state machinery had to do much leg work to ensure that he feasted with the right people. Those from deprived sections were identified and specially invited for a lunch with the Chief Minister.

Though taken by surprise at the strange invitation, thousands turned up, and were served `khichri' and mineral water. The guests were also given blankets as a parting gift.

This was one of the several efforts the Chief Minister has been making to prove that he wants to strike a rapport with the masses, especially the poor and downtrodden. Be it his surprise inspection of government colonies or having tea with truck drivers at roadside dhabas or reaching a petrol pump that had been robbed, Singh has tried to make sure that the right message goes through.

However, except for a momentary media flash, Singh has not been able to gain any major political mileage so far. The Opposition parties are viewing the Chief Minister's latest move as an attempt to politicise Makar Sankranti. ``The Chief Minister has tried to take over even this purely Hindu ritual. The party is unfolding its Hindutva agenda, the consequences of which will be dangerous,'' observed Ashok Singh, a Janata Dal leader.