Ram temple treasurer Swami Govinddev Giri opposes 'vote jihad' term, calls for Hindu society to counter it

NEW DELHI: Swami Govinddev Giri, treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, criticized the use of the term "vote jihad" in political discourse, asserting that such language should not describe political rivalries. His remarks, made on Sunday, come amidst Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis's controversial statements linking elections to a 'dharma-yudh'.

Speaking to reporters, Swami Govinddev Giri noted that while directions on voting were once discreetly issued via pamphlets in religious places, slogans like "vote jihad" are now being openly promoted. He urged Hindu society to respond to this trend.

"'Jihad' is equivalent to 'dharma-yudh,' but calling a political contest a 'yudh' is inappropriate. Since 'vote jihad' is being openly advocated, it must be countered without hesitation," the seer said. He emphasized that voting is both a right and responsibility of good citizens, adding, "True Hindus are pro-humanity, treating everyone equally, like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. We should also tolerate injustice."

The comments follow Fadnavis’s allegations that an Islamic scholar, Sajjad Nomani, advocated for "vote jihad" against the BJP-led government. During rallies in Pune ahead of the November 20 assembly polls, Fadnavis played a video purportedly showing Nomani calling for the ostracization of BJP voters.

"If they are trying to do vote jihad to destabilize the government, then you will also have to do a 'dharma-yudh of votes,'" Fadnavis said, urging supporters to counter the opposition’s alleged tactics.

The debate over such polarizing rhetoric has sparked mixed reactions as Maharashtra heads into crucial assembly elections.

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