Click to play videoBangalore: The Gods are in demand this election season as politicians across the country are flocking to the temples to seek blessings from idols and priests.
“Yes, I regularly go to the temples in Kerala,” says Karnataka Chief Minister BD Yeddyurappa.
“It is a matter of personal faith,” says Banglore South candidate, Krishna Byregowda.
But it isn't only the temple handis that are filling up with the politicians money but astrologers too are raking in the moolah.
Analysts say the astrology industry could be making a whopping Rs 500 crore in 2009.
Astrologer KN Somayaji and his team of 300 priests have been performing rituals for almost every neta ever since the polling dates were announced.
But consulting the stars and conducting pujas comes at a price.
“It depends on the constituency. If it is small then it means less money and if it's a big constituency then there is big money involved,” says Somayaji.
In fact astrologers say they have seen an increase of 20-30 per cent in bookings. But what happens if, say a congress and a BJP leader wants to perform the same pooja with the same astrologer?
“These things happen all the time. Those who approach first are given the first commitment,” adds Somayaji.
So even in these times of recession, Rs 50 lakh is just a small fortune for the neta who wants to win that seat in the Lok Sabha.
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