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Journalism of Courage
While Uma Bharati may be gunning for Chief Minister Narendra Modi, another sanyasin, Sadhvi Ritambhara, has thrown her weight behind him. Addressing a Bhagwat Katha, or a religious discourse, in Surat last week, she told her devotees, 8220;Religious places like Ram Mandir, Amarnath and Vaishno Devi are facing a threat from terrorists. In such a situation, the country needs a leader like Narendrabhai Modi.8221;
Ritambhara, the fiery Hindutva proponent best remembered for her provocative remarks during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, adopted a milder tone in Surat. 8220;Communal riots are no longer the image of Gujarat. Now it is known as a state which is on the fast track of development,8221; she said.
In what amounted to a low-key election campaign, the VHP leader said Modi8217;s stewardship was necessary for Gujarat. 8220;We are lions. How can we accept the rule of goats?,8221; she said.
Ritambhara8217;s support has come at an opportune moment for Modi, who has come under attack from his one-time ally Praveen Togadia. Backed by a section of local VHP and RSS leaders, Togadia has charged Modi with betraying the Hindutva agenda.
The sadhvi8217;s eight-day 8220;Bhagwat Katha8221;, which ended on November 4, was inaugurated by Modi. Surat businessman Vimal Poddar, one of the organisers, said the programme was organised to raise finances for Vatsalya Gram, an orphanage run by the sadhvi.
While the orphanage is located in Vrindavan, Ritambhara is planning to start another ashram at Mehsana in Gujarat.
