Arya Samaj Backs Congress, Announces Swami Agnivesh Amid Lok Sabha Elections 2019
Arya Samaj holds sway among a considerable section of the Hindu community. The group, which promotes monotheism, was founded back in 1875 by Dayanand Saraswati.
New Delhi, May 2: Socio-religious organisation Arya Samaj has lended support to the Congress amid the ongoing Lok Sabha elections 2019. The announcement was made by Swami Agnivesh, a social activist who served as the Arya Samaj's international wing president from 2004 to 2014. The support, claim experts, may aid the party in North Indian states where voting is still underway.
Agnivesh, a veteran member of the Arya Samaj, has been vocal in his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ruling BJP and the Sangh Parivar over the last five years. He has actively campaigned against communalism and incidents of lynchings across the nation, saying that the Hindutva elements are not representing the true face of Hinduism. Mobocracy: Several Lynched, 80-Year-Old Swami Agnivesh Attacked; Is Mob Justice Becoming The New Normal?
Arya Samaj's backing to the Congress comes amid the "anti-Hindu" charge being levelled against the party by PM Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah. While campaigning in Maharashtra's Wardha, the Prime Minister said that the Congress' anti-majoritarian politics is responsible for Rahul Gandhi's decision to file his candidature from Wayanad.
Arya Samaj holds sway among a considerable section of the Hindu community. The group, which promotes monotheism, was founded back in 1875 by Dayanand Saraswati.
Agnivesh, who is associated with the Samaj since 1970s, was recently attacked by alleged members of BJP's youth wing in Jharkhand. The attackers levelled "anti-Hindu" charge against Agnivesh, and accused him of being hand-in-glove with Christian missionaries.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 02, 2019 11:17 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).