• By Shivangi Sharma
  • Fri, 31 May 2024 01:29 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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After ending his campaign for the last phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday evening started his 45-hour-long meditation at Dhyana Mandapam, Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari. Before starting his meditation, PM Modi also offered special prayers at the Bhagavathy Amman Temple. The two-day meditation will end on June 1. PM Modi is meditating at the same spot where philosopher-saint Swami Vivekananda attained enlightenment in 1892. 

In a video released by ANI on X, PM Modi was seen wearing a white dhoti paired with a white shawl while offering prayers at the Bhagvathy Amman Temple followed by giving tribute to Thiruvalluvar, Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Maa Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda. Proper security arrangements have been made across the district and the BJP has asked its workers to refrain from thronging the spot.

In a series of pictures released by BJP’s official handle on X, PM Modi is seen meditating at the Dhyan Mandapam in an orange-clad attire. For this 45-hour-long meditation, Modi has taken a vow of silence while following a liquid diet including Coconut water, juice and other fluids. 

Why Did PM Modi Choose Tamil Nadu’s Dhyana Mandapam?

This spot holds immense spiritual significance as it is where Swami Vivekananda envisioned Bharat Mata (Mother India), a powerful symbol of the nation's unity and strength.  PM Modi’s choice of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial for his meditation highlights his connection to Swami Vivekananda’s vision of a modern India. PM Modi’s meditation plan is intended to encourage a unified effort towards achieving the goal of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.

According to mythology, Goddess Kanyakumar, an incarnation of Parvati also meditated at the same place on one foot as she waited for Lord Shiva. PM Modi calls himself a follower of spiritual guru Swami Vivekananda and Dhyana Mandapam is the same spot where Swami Vivekananda attained enlightenment after meditating for three days and nights.  

The Opposition’s Dilemma Over PM Modi’s Meditation

The opposition has claimed that this act of PM Modi is a clear violation of the Model Code of Conduct laid down by the Election Commission of India. The BJP began its 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign in Tamil Nadu, and Modi’s return to the state emphasises its importance in the election strategy. The opposition is seeing this act of PM Modi as a well-planned strategy in order to increase the vote bank from the south. 

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav said, "He (PM Modi) is not doing meditation. He is doing a film shoot and marketing. Meditation happens in a peaceful environment without telling anyone."

"Through the meditation trip, Narendra Modi is attempting to circumvent the 48-hour silence period and unfairly leverage the ethnocultural significance of the chosen location in an attempt to bolster his campaign and maximise his vote share in violation of the Representation of the People Act, as well as Model Code of Conduct," alleged the Congress party.