Click to play videoBhopal: The Mahakaal temple in Ujjain was once a defining point of Madhya Pradesh. Today, in the narrow lanes around the famous temple veer around the area's new defining character - Sadhavi Pragya Thakur, who hails from this region.
So what's the relationship between religion and politics here? Are the people of MP driven by Hindutva driven politics?
Acharya Shekhar says, "Hindus can never be terrorists. If Pragya Thakur is accused of teror, then officials should go into the depth of the matter as to why she has been accused."
However, a resident of Madhya Pradesh, Malkan Singh adds, "Why can't a Hindu be a terrorist? Who was Nathuram Godse?"
A stronghold of the sangh parivar, the Hindutva sentiment has always been present in the state of Gods. A tilak (saffron dot on the forehead) is a must irrespective of party affiliations and a salute to River Narmada a part of the campaign.
So while the BJP goes all out to exploit the issue, the Congress is maintaining a conspicuous silence.
BJP unit head, Ananth Kumar says, "This is a conspiracy against Hindu organisations, the RSS, priests and priestesses in the country. We are going to launch a nationwide campaign for the Sadhavi."
Adds Uma Bharti, "I am not worried that people may think I am supporting a terrorist. Sadhvi Pragya has passed all narco-tests and they are keeping her in custody despite that and that is really physically and mentally abusive for her."
Congress Seva Dal Chief in MP, Suresh Pachauri says, "Only Congress was affected by terrorism. We lost our great leaders. When we talk about terrorism, we should not mix it with religion."
As investigations continue, whether the Sadhavi gets acquitted or convicted on charges of promotion of terror will be a litmus test for all parties.
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