Rahul Gandhi eyes ‘temple run’ in Uttar Pradesh battle

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi will visit Ayodhya’s Hanuman Garhi temple on Friday, but the party is divided whether he should also go to the politically sensitive disputed site nearby.

Mr Gandhi’s visit to Ayodhya is part of his 2,500-km-long Kisaan Yatra ahead of next year’s assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh. Adding a dash of soft Hindutva, he has been visiting Hindu religious sites as part of his campaign that started from east UP’s Deoria on Tuesday.

Though the final plan of Mr Gandhi’s UP campaign does not include a visit to the disputed site in Ayodhya, a section of the party did not rule out a last-minute change.

Elections are likely in UP in February-March next year, and the Congress is desperate to reverse its 27-year exile from power in the state.

“Congress has been fighting a perception battle, particularly after the 2014 Lok Sabha election defeat. The popular belief is that we should not be seen shying away from Hindutva symbols exploited by BJP,” said a party leader.

“But Rahul ji seeking Ram Lalla’s blessings might also alienate Muslims,” cautioned another leader.