Modi Turns God: Andhbhakti Limits Crossed Again?

A unique celebration of Vishwakarma Puja in Patna is making headlines due to its controversial nature. BJP workers in Patna’s Ved School portrayed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as Lord Vishwakarma, who is considered as a divine architect in Hindu Religion.

In a recently surfaced video, it can be seen that a picture of PM Modi, being portrayed as Lord Vishwakarma, is being worshipped by BJP workers. The workers can be seen performing an abhishek (anointment) with milk over his image, as a gesture to portray him as the “architecture of Modern India”.

While paying respect to a politician is common in Indian society, the backlash arises when we begin to portray them as Gods. The people are taking it as an insult to Lord VIshwakarma, over the fact that he is being equated with a political leader.

Many have viewed this as a continuation of the attempts by the BJP to portray PM Modi as some sort of a divine entity, which the people have come forward to strongly object. They are viewing this as an attempt to politicize their religion for personal and political gains by the ruling power.

This controversy also throws light on the fine light between admiring and unnaturally idolizing someone. While admiring the right person can prove to be beneficial to the admirer, meaningless idolization often leads to an unfruitful outcome, as is evident by the public’s backlash on the issue.