He also visited Chamundi Hills and offered prayers to Goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of Mysuru.
Amit Shah speaking in Mysuru. (Screengrab)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who started his two-day visit to Karnataka on Sunday, 11 February, credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with securing respect for India’s cultural heritage on the world stage.
He cited the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and the promotion of other key pilgrimage centres as examples.
Speaking at the Sutturu Jathra (fair) event near Mysuru, he lauded Modi for promoting the preservation of Yoga, Ayurveda, and Indian languages, along with making the country secure and prosperous.
“Narendra Modi has worked to gain respect for the country’s cultural heritage on the world stage. Modiji has worked for the revival of several of our cultural centres such as the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Kashi, Mahakal Corridor (Mahakal Lok Corridor in Ujjain), and the resurrection of Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham,” Shah said.
He also visited Chamundi Hills and offered prayers to Goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of Mysuru.
Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji of the Sutturu Math, Union minister Pralhad Joshi, former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly R Ashoka, and state BJP president BY Vijayendra were among those present at the event.
The Sutturu Math on the banks of river Kapila, located in the Nanjangud taluk in this district, is one of the prominent spiritual centres in the state that propagates Veerashaiva/Lingayat faith.
Shah lauded the Mahaswamij for deciding to open a branch of the Sutturu Math in Ayodhya, and start working there.
Offering tributes to 12th-century social reformer and philosopher Basaveshwara, he also acknowledged the contributions of the Sutturu Math and its seers in promoting the welfare of society.
“I want to tell Mahaswamiji that I and every worker of the BJP will always respect the contributions of Sutturu Math to the society and, in the coming days, will in every way support the efforts to take it forward amidst the people,” he added.
Mysuru-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj, who chiselled the idol of Ram Lalla that was consecrated in the newly-constructed temple in Ayodhya, was felicitated at the event.
Earlier in the day, Vijayendra detailed the Union home minister’s meeting with BJP leaders of the Mysuru cluster to discuss the Lok Sabha elections.
The BJP state chief said: “The party leaders of four parliamentary constituencies that fall under the Mysuru cluster will participate.”
He added: “The invitation has been extended to the leaders of Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Mandya and Hassan Lok Sabha seats. Around 120 people from the four seats are expected to participate.”
Vijayendra also said: “In the wake of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the strategies will be chalked out. The BJP and the JD(S) are facing the upcoming polls in alliance. Even at the grassroots level without having any qualms between the party workers, we have to face this election.”
He added: “In a bid to win all four seats (in the Mysuru cluster), we will do a strategy for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. We will also take suggestions from Union Minister Amit Shah, who is popularly known as Chanakya,” Vijayendra said that detailed deliberations will be made on four Lok Sabha seats of Mysuru cluster.”
On kickstarting Lok Sabha preparations from the Karnataka chief minister’s hometown, Vijayendra said: “There is no speciality. I have said many times that the BJP and the JD(S) are weaving strategies in all the 28 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state to ensure victory.”
He added: “It is not only the hometown of the chief minister but also the strong forte of the BJP. In every Lok Sabha election, the people have extended their support to the party.”
.@BJP4Karnataka Chief @BYVijayendra told reporters in Mysuru: “Union Minister Amit Shah has reached Mysuru at late night around 2:45 am. Hence, There is a slight change in the schedule.”
“He will first head to Suttur Mutt to take part in Jathra Mohatsava and then visit Chamundi… pic.twitter.com/HiJUs7JalD
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) February 11, 2024
While talking about other constituencies, Vijayendra said: “With regard to the Chamarajnagar seat, the veteran & incumbent MP Srinivas Prasad has announced retirement from electoral politics. We need to find an efficient candidate there and a strategy to ensure the party’s victory.”
“With regard to Mandya’s seat, I have seen the media about the discussion being made that JDS should be given to Mandya. But no decisions have been made on the matter so far. Detailed deliberations will be made in today’s core committee & cluster meeting,” added the BJP state chief.
On how important Amit Shah’s visit was to the party, he said: “Look Sabha elections take place differently. The voters will be aware of the country’s current issues including Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir and PM Modi’s popular programmes and projects.”
He added: “There will be a national narrative in the Lok Sabha elections. Instead of local issues, national issues will be taken up before the voters.”
He also said: “Despite this being a challenge, the party workers & leaders are confident of managing this successfully. Whatever might be the setback in the assembly elections, the party workers & leaders forgetting the bitter moments are geared up with new enthusiasm for the Lok Sabha elections.”
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