From lucky colours to rings, netas swear by superstition

PATNA: From deciding the colour of their clothes to be worn during rallies to helping file nomination papers at the most auspicious time, noted astrologers in the city are doing it all for their clients (read: our netas).
Preferring anonymity, some astrologers claimed that many high-profile political leaders were their clients and did not take any step without their permission.
Noted astrologer Samir Upadhyay, who has top political leaders as his regular visitors, told this newspaper that many of them are highly superstitious and seek remedial measures. He said, “While some want to garner the voters’ support during elections, others come to me asking for methods to defeat the opposition.”
Astrologers usually go through the horoscope of their clients and observe the latest positioning of planets along with the lunar and solar phases. After analysing their impact on the fate of clients, astrologers list out preferable remedies which include colour therapy, ‘Shanti Puja’, charity and rings fitted with precious stones.
Another astrologer K Bimlendu, who has been practising astrology for the last 15 years, said, “I had several political leaders as my clients during the last polls. This year too, many of them have approached me.”
There are many netas who have visited astrologer Sudhir Tiwary’s office “even four times a week”. He claimed, “Majority of them enquire about the suitable time for filing nomination papers and starting their campaign trail. I analyse their horoscopes and also tell them about the food items they should eat or colours they should wear.”
However, no political leader went on record to accept that they followed superstitious practises. RJD spokesperson Chitranjan Gagan said, “There are many political leaders who consult astrologers on a regular basis, but behind closed doors.”