In a strategic move echoing the political playbook of veteran leader LK Advani, the Janata Dal (Secular) or JDS in Karnataka has announced plans to conduct a Rath Yatra to Ramatheertha under the leadership of Nikhil Kumaraswamy, the State President of the JDS Youth Unit. The decision mirrors the BJP’s historical advantage gained through similar processions organized by LK Advani in the past.
The Rath Yatra is scheduled to commence from Anjanadri in Koppal, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, and will culminate at Ramdevarabetta in Ramnagar. The route map for this political pilgrimage, set to start post-Sankranti, is reported to be already finalized. The Rath Yatra holds significant symbolism as it aligns with the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol in Ayodhya on January 22.
JDS leaders are banking on the potency of chanting Ram Nama during the Rath Yatra to resonate with the electorate, particularly with an eye on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The Yatra is not just a political spectacle but also carries religious undertones, intending to gather Rama Tirtha at Ramdevara Hill, a site believed to have been created by Lord Rama to quench Goddess Sita’s thirst during her exile.
Former Prime Minister Deve Gowda has given his approval for the Ram Tirtha Rath Yatra, advising the party to kickstart the procession post-Sankranti. The Rath Yatra is expected to attract significant attention, not only for its political ramifications but also for the religious sentiments associated with the journey.
Sources close to the party leadership reveal that Nikhil Kumaraswamy and Kumaraswamy have already held discussions, and the decision to carry Rama Tirtha to Ayodhya on January 22 has been well-received among party members. The Rath Yatra is poised to become a key element in JDS’s political strategy, attempting to blend traditional religious fervor with contemporary electoral aspirations.