The initiative may not bring great electoral dividends in Andhra but it has boosted credibility of local BJP leaders among devotees.
A seer near the train to Ayodhya from Vijayawada. (Bhaskar Basava/South First)
In a bid to turn the “Ram Mandir” sentiment into votes, the BJP is sponsoring a subsidised “Chalo Ayodhya” campaign for lower and middle-class families. From Andhra Pradesh, at least 10 special trains arranged by the BJP — with 15,000 pilgrims or would-be voters — have travelled to Ayodhya, with each person paying around ₹2,300 for the five-day trip.