Sivagiri Mutt Urges Rahul Gandhi for Backward Community Representation in Kerala Elections
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Thiruvananthapuram, March 7 (NationPress) The Sivagiri Mutt has called upon Rahul Gandhi to guarantee that candidates from backward communities are nominated in constituencies with high chances of winning for the forthcoming Assembly elections.
This appeal was made during the Congress leader's visit to the mutt, where he paid his respects at the samadhi of Sree Narayana Guru.
This visit marked the second consecutive day of Rahul Gandhi's engagement in activities related to the Sivagiri Mutt.
The previous day, he attended celebrations marking the centenary of the Guru-Gandhi Samagam in Kollam.
On Saturday morning, following that event, he visited the mutt, accompanied by K. C. Venugopal, AICC general secretary and MP, and Adoor Prakash, UDF convenor, among others.
The leaders commenced their visit at the Mahasamadhi of Sree Narayana Guru, offering floral tributes.
They were welcomed by Swami Sachchidananda, president of the Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust.
After paying his respects at the samadhi, Rahul Gandhi proceeded to the Vaidika Mutt, the historic site where Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore previously met Sree Narayana Guru.
He also visited the Sarada Mutt within the Sivagiri complex.
Following these visits, Rahul Gandhi engaged in discussions with the swamis of the Sivagiri Mutt at the guest house.
During this meeting, the mutt formally submitted a written appeal for adequate representation of backward communities in the upcoming Assembly elections.
As stated by Swami Sachchidananda, the mutt specifically requested that candidates from backward communities be assigned to constituencies where they have a strong likelihood of victory.
Rahul Gandhi reportedly acknowledged the request and stated that it would be analyzed.
The presence of a prominent Congress leader at Sivagiri holds significance in light of the impending Assembly elections.
The event in Kollam was jointly organized by the Sivagiri Mutt and the Rajiv Gandhi Study and Research Centre of the KPCC.
Political analysts interpret Rahul Gandhi's visit as a strategic move by the Congress party to reinforce connections with the Ezhava community through the Sivagiri Mutt ahead of the elections.
The Hindu Ezhava community in Kerala is the largest among Hindus, surpassing the Hindu Nairs, who are in second place.
Among the 22 sitting Congress legislators, there is only one MLA from the Ezhava community, making this written appeal from the mutt particularly significant.