This is also coincidental that both Modi and Rahul Gandhi claim to be disciples of Lord Shiva. (File photo: Reuters)

In the run-up to the 2014 Lok Sabha election, 'Har-har Modi' slogan reverberated in almost all the election rallies and other political programmes of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In the 2019 campaign, the rival Congress has decided to counter 'Har-Har Modi' with 'Bol Bum'.

The Congress workers will chant 'Bol Bum' in party president Rahul Gandhi's rallies and other programmes. This is likely to continue at least till 2019 Lok Sabha election.

Incidentally, both 'Har-Har Modi' and 'Bol Bum' are inspired by deference to Lord Shiva. This is also coincidental that both Modi and Rahul Gandhi claim to be disciples of Lord Shiva.

While Modi is believed to have meditated for several years near Kedar Nath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Uttarakhand, Rahul visited Kailash Mansarovar which is considered by Hindus to be the abode of the Hindu god in Tibet earlier this month.

'Har-Har Mahadev', which is chanted in praise of Lord Shiva, was tweaked to 'Har-Har Modi' during the campaigning for 2014 Lok Sabha election.

'Bol Bum' is also chanted by Lord Shiva disciples, particularly the kanwariyas.

Sources in the Congress said the party has decided to counter 'Har-Har Modi' with 'Bol Bum'.

The Congress and particularly Rahul Gandhi, is seen to be competing with the BJP and Modi on Hindutva.

In Madhya Pradesh, Congress president Kamal Nath has promised that of the party comes to power in the central state, the government will set up gaushalas (cowsheds) in all Panchayats. The Congress leaders will embark on 'Rampath Gaman' event, treading the path believed to have been taken by Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lakshman in Madhya Pradesh during their exile.

During his Bhopal visit on September 17, Rahul offered prayers in a temple and posters calling him a 'Shiv bhakt' dotted the city.

The decision of the Congress to woo the Hindus seems to be a conscious one. The party was being seen as one sympathetic to the Muslims. As a result, it lost support of a large of the Hindus.

The 'Bol Bum' plan seems to be another step to project Rahul Gandhi as a Shiv bhakt and woo the Hindu voters.

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