Maghar: Once again, Modi got his facts wrong
What's the story
In Maghar, yesterday, there was a sense of deja vu. PM Modi had come there to pay his obeisance to Sant Kabir.
Once again, he launched a scathing attack on Opposition. And, once again he got his facts wrong.
He said he has high regards for Maghar where Baba Gorakhnath, Kabir and Guru Nankadeva sat together and discussed the world of spirituality.
The catch, however, is they all belonged to different eras.
Quote
This is what he said
"Mahatma Kabir's reflection upon equanimity and harmony has given direction to the society for centuries. I salute him who hailed from this land of nirvana. It is said that here, Saint Kabir, Guru Nankadeva and Baba Gorakhnath sat together and discussed spirituality," Modi said.
Details
PM also attacked rivals over 'Mahagathbandhan' politics
Targeting Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati, Modi said that these were the people who once had opposed Congress for imposing Emergency and now are planning 'Mahagathbandhan' (alliance) with the party, as their last ditch effort to remain relevant in politics.
While referring to issues like triple talaq, PM further alleged that the Opposition only wants to create 'discord and unrest' in the country.
Politics
But, why did PM decide to visit Maghar?
PM not just hailed Kabir but also laid the foundation stone of Kabir Academy and offered 'Chadar' at his 'Mazar' (burial place) in Maghar.
As most of the followers of Kabir, popularly known as Kabir Panthis, are Dalits and OBCs, PM's Maghar visit is being seen as BJP's attempt to woo masses from Hindu minorities.
Notably, UP has 40% OBC and 21% Dalit population.
Maghar
A little bit about Maghar: Historical details
Sant Kabir, the 15th-century mystic saint, was buried at Maghar, situated some 30 kilometers from Gorakhpur.
Legend says that anyone who dies in Maghar goes to hell, which is why the place is also famously known as 'Gateway to hell'.
PM visited Maghar to mark the 500th death anniversary of Kabir who was born in Varanasi, the LS constituency of Modi.