Raje plans mega pujas to thank gods for victory

After the historic victory in the Assembly elections, Raje government in Rajasthan is going all out to propitiate gods and goddesses (or to keep the religious leaders in good humour) for the longevity of BJP-ruled state government. According to government sources, it has zeroed in on nearly 108 places of worships spanning all faiths for special prayers. 

The places of worship include belong to all popular faiths Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Jains and Sindhis.

 The state government has allocated a special budget of about Rs 35 lakhs for the purpose. The prayers are being organised to appease the gods to seek the overall well-being of the people and for the prosperity of the state.  Sources said the prayers would be conducted after the inauspicious period (malmas) ends on January 15. The prayers would be held over a period of two months. 

 The Devasthan department has been appointed the nodal agency to organise the event. A budget of Rs 10,000 each has been sanctioned to perform the rituals while Rs one lakh has been earmarked for cultural events. The functions would be organised at all the prominent religious places statewide.  

The BJP government, this time, chose religious places belonging to all faiths on a purpose perhaps to score a political point and to change its image of pro-Hindu party. 

According to Devasthan commissioner Bhawani Singh Detta, apart from the religious ceremonies, cultural programmes would be held at every district.

State PCC president Dr Chandraban criticised the government step saying that “religion is a personal and private affair of an individual and the state has no role in it in a secular country. He said the government should keep away from organising such functions.