BENGALURU: The Congress partys’ proposal in its manifesto to ban the Bajrang Dal has triggered a war of words with the ruling BJP. With only three days remaining for public campaigning for the May 10 Assembly election, the BJP is making use of the issue to the hilt. Hindu outfits too have expressed anger across the state and organised Hanuman Chilisa recitations in temples on Thursday.
Amid this, the demand for Bajrang Dal flags has become more sought-after than the Congress, JD(S) and BJP flags and quite naturally, shopkeepers are happy. Bajrang Dal flags are being used in Modi’s roadshows and election campaigns. It is said that, the state BJP leaders have also instructed the party workers to fly Bajrang Dal flags, including BJP flags.
Shekhar, a shopkeeper, said, “After the announcement of the Model Code of Conduct, we didn’t have much business. But after the Congress declared its manifesto, the sale of Bajrang Dal flags has picked up. Even BJP workers are buying Bajrang Dal flags along with the party flags”.
Devaraj, a BJP worker said, “Earlier, we used to take BJP flags for roadshows and rallies. After the Congress released its manifesto, which says it will ban the Bajrang Dal if it comes to power, we are buying Bajrang Dal flags too”.