On day of Karnataka polling, Modi campaigning for BJP in Nepal by visiting temples: Congress

PM Narendra Modi today prayed at Nepal's iconic Muktinath temple that is regarded sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists, becoming the first world leader to offer prayers there. He then offered prayers at the famous Pashupatinath temple. It is a temple dedicated to Lord Pashupatinath who is more commonly known as Lord Shiva.

PM Narendra Modi offering prayers at Muktinath temple on the day when Karnataka has gone to polls. PIC/BJP4India Twitter account.

New Delhi: The Congress party on Saturday alleged that PM Narendra Modi's visit to temples in Nepal is aimed at influencing voters in Karnataka where polling is being held today. Questioning the timing of Modi's visit to Janaki and Pashupatinath temples, senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot told ABP News that the prime minister offering prayers in the hill country is planned to impact Hindu voters in Karnataka. "Modiji is campaigning for Karnataka elections in Nepal. BJP wants to divide the voters which is not a good thing to do. They want to portray as if only they are Hindus and not us." Many priests at Pashupatinath Temple are of Kannada origin and the party believes that his two-day visit to Nepal at a time when polling is underway is not a mere coincidence. (WATCH BELOW)

Ahead of his visit, Nepali home minister Ram Bahadur Thapa described the visit as "religious and cultural and not political". As Modi's temple tour is in a foreign country, the Congress cannot complain about the matter to the election commission. Modi today prayed at Nepal's iconic Muktinath temple that is regarded sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists, becoming the first world leader to offer prayers there. He then offered prayers at the famous Pashupatinath temple. It is a temple dedicated to Lord Pashupatinath who is more commonly known as Lord Shiva.

PM Modi beating the traditional drums outside Muktinath temple in Nepal. pic.twitter.com/0S0VNokM1x

— BJP (@BJP4India) May 12, 2018

Lingayat, an over 11 million strong community of Lord Shiva worshippers. The Siddaramaiah government in Karnataka recently recommended religious minority status for the Lingayat and its sub-group Veershaiva Lingayat community. BJP said the Congress wants to divide Hindus. The Lingayat community has been the bedrock of the saffron party. It's chief ministerial contender BS Yeddyurappa belongs to the Lingayat community.