Priyanka visits Ravidas temple, Maya slams ‘political theatrics’

Lucknow, February 9

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra offered prayers at the Guru Ravidas Janamsthan Mandir in Varanasi and participated in ‘langar’ (community lunch) on the occasion of the 14th century saint’s birth anniversary on Sunday. Terming it as “theatrics”, BSP chief Mayawati accused Congress and BJP leaders of never honouring the saint-poet during their tenure and indulging in temple visits to realise their vested interests.

Priyanka Gandhi said 14th century saint Ravidas dreamt of a society where there is no discrimination on the basis of caste and religion, and that everyone should work towards fulfilling it.

“You all should take forward his teachings to the masses, especially at a time, when there is so much violence and hatred in the society. His teachings are need of the hour.” Priyanka Gandhi said, attending a function.

She said it is her privilege that she got an opportunity to bow her head at the birth place of Sant Ravidas. “Sadguru Ravidas had the dream of Begampura — a city without sorrow. A city where there is no discrimination along lines of religion and caste, and where every person feels secure. The same ideals are there in our Constitution,” she added.

Before attending the function, the Congress leader offered prayers at the Guru Ravidas Janamsthan Mandir, and also participated in ‘langar’ (community lunch).

Soon after, the former UP CM took to Twitter to criticise the Congress and the BJP. “Congress, BJP and other parties did not give any respect or honour to Sant Guru Ravidas during their tenure. But, after being out of power, they are indulging in various theatrics to realise their vested interests by visiting temples and other places,” Mayawati said. — PTI

‘Will rename Bhadohi as Sant Ravidas Nagar’

• BSP supremo Mayawati on Sunday said if voted to power in Uttar Pradesh, her party will rename Bhadohi as Sant Ravidas Nagar
• In a statement, she said, “The previous Samajwadi Party government had changed its name due to its casteist mentality”
• Accusing the Congress and the BJP of never honouring the saint-poet, she listed the work done by the BSP to keep Ravidas’s memory alive