MP: Lord Ganesh idol draped in BJP flag? Notices issued

Indore: With only five days left before Madhya Pradesh votes in the second phase of Lok Sabha polls, a purported incident of an idol of Lord Ganesh being dressed in clothes resembling the BJP flag and bearing its symbol has come to light, prompting Indore poll officials to take note.

The idol in question is in the famous Khajrana temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh.

The video of the purported incident is being widely shared on the social media.

“We have taken cognisance of the Khajrana temple incident and issued notices asking the parties concerned to file their replies within 24 hours,” District Election Officer Lokesh Kumar Jatav told reporters.

Meanwhile, state Congress Media Cell coordinator Narendra Saluja said the party has filed a complaint of violation of Election Commission guidelines with state Chief Electoral Officer.

He blamed the BJP for the incident.

“Indore BJP candidate Shankar Lalwani had performed a puja at the Khajrana temple on April 29 before filing his nomination papers. During the ceremony, Lord Ganesh’s idol was dressed in the clothes with colours of the BJP flag,” Saluja said, adding that the clothes also bore the BJP’s poll symbol, lotus.

Saluja demanded cancellation of Lalwani’s candidature.

While six of the 29 Lok Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh went to the polls in the first phase on April 29, the rest 23 constituencies will vote on May 6, 12 and 19.