Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday visited Takhat Sri Harimandir Ji, also known as Patna Sahib, in Bihar and served ‘langar’ to the devotees.
Donning a saffron-coloured turban, Modi was seen offering prayers at the Gurudwara in Patna. He also performed ‘seva’ (service) and served food at the ‘langar’ (community kitchen of gurdwara which serves meals to all free of charge).
In a video shared by a news agency, the prime minister is seen helping out in langar preparation. He exchanged greetings with devotees present and had prasad at ‘langar’.
Patna Sahib is considered the second holiest Takhat. Revered as the birthplace of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj, it is one of the five seats of temporal authority of the Sikhs and has been consecrated by three Sikh Gurus.
The prime minister is campaigning in Bihar for the Lok Sabha elections 2024. The state has 39 seats and the PM has set a target of winning all the seats this time. In 2019, the BJP-led NDA had won 38 seats in the state.
Modi’s Gurudwara visit comes a day after he held a massive roadshow in Patna. He is said to be the first prime minister to hold a roadshow in Bihar.
After his short Gurudwara visit, Modi went to Hajipur to address an election rally. During his address, the prime minister reiterated the charge that parties like the Congress and RJD will “give away reservations” to Muslims “to pursue their vote bank politics” .
Referring to RJD supremo Lalu Prasad’s remarks, Modi said, “The priority of RJD & Congress are not you people, but their own vote bank. The person who brought ‘Jungle Raj’ to Bihar, who has been convicted by the court in the fodder scam, said that reservation should be given to Muslims and that too, complete reservation. They want to give reservation of Dalits, backwards, tribals to Muslims.”
Later today, Modi will address poll rallies in Muzaffarpur and Saran constituencies.