In yet another example of ‘competitive Hindutva’, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to consider including the images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh on currency notes in India to “improve the economic situation of the country”.
“Today I appeal to the central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On Indian currency there is a photo of Gandhi ji, let that be, on the other side of currency, a photo of Shri Ganesh Ji and Lakshmi ji should be put. “As I said we have to make lot of effort to improve the economic situation of our country. But also with that, we need blessings from Gods and Goddesses. The whole country will get blessings if on currency notes, there is a photo of Ganesh Ji and Lakshmi ji on one side and Gandhi ji on other side,” Kejriwal said in his address.
“If Indonesia can do it; choose Ganesh Ji, so can we… I will write to the centre tomorrow or the day after tomorrow to appeal for it… we need the almighty’s blessings apart from the efforts to settle the economic condition of the country,” Kejriwal said.
Lord Ganesha is inscribed on the 20,000 rupiah note of Indonesia.
Political observers have stated that this is a desperate bid to grab a pie from BJP’s traditional vote bank. It’s a competitive politics on Hindutva. Kejriwal was trying to address an audience who are staunch Hindu and traditionally BJP supporters.
For obvious reasons, this has created huge political war of words. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari lashed out at Kejriwal. Speaking at a press conference, Tiwari alleged that AAP leaders have abused Hindu Gods and Goddesses in the past.
“Their (AAP) party leaders, the party’s Gujarat state unit president and AAP ministers have abused Hindu Gods and Goddesses and have said many things but they are still in their party. Now, what will they do in upcoming polls? So for their face-saving, they are coming up with new conspiracies. Those who objected to Ram Mandir have come with a new mask,” Tiwari said.
“On one side they abuse Hindu Gods and on the other hand they are coming in poll time saying such things,” he said.