Science to Superstition: Pratibha Patil spoke to spirit

The Presidential candidate Pratibha Patil in a public function at Mount Abu on June 14, said that she spoke to a man who died 38 years ago.

Surprisingly, she had attended the function at the 70th anniversary of establishment of Prajapita Brahmakumari Ashram, in her capacity as Governor of Rajasthan, but still went on to say that 'she had conversation with Lekhraj Baba through Daadi Hriday Mohini.

In front of a gathering, Pratibha Patil, said that Lekhraj Baba's spirit (aatma) came into the body of Hirday Mohini and spoke to her. It has only caused further embarrassment for the Congress and the UPA as Pratibha, who is all set to head the nation in 21st, seems to believe in 'occult' and spirits.

Belief in religion is a different thing but superstition and more so, airing these views in public function, from a public figure is surely alarming. Shivraj Patil was rejected as candidate also because he is a firm believer in Sathya Sai Baba (Leftists had reservations on his uncompromising belief).

Visiting shrines of various religions is not an issue in a pluralistic society but such statement coming from the Prez candidate is definitely a cause of concern. Time and again Pratibha has landed in controversy. First, the statement over purdah, then the alleged murder allegation on her brother and two other controversies including the allegation that her sugar factory owed crores to cooperative bank in Maharashtra and another issue over land in her native town.

TV Channel Jan Mat showed the footage on Monday. Communists may also get uncomfortable with such views. And Bhairon Singh Shekhawat's chances may brighten a bit. It must have been a jolt for him when Shiv Sena decided to support Patil.

Hindutva takes a back seat for Shiv Sena, Marathi first!

So the 'Apla Manush' seems to have relegated Hindutva. After all, Uma Bharti had cautioned Bal Thackeray about Patil. She had reminded him that Patil was against the Hindutva cause as she had returned the 'anti-conversion bill' as Governor of Rajasthan. So who is the greatest champion of Hindutva? Thackeray has shown that for him regionalism is foremost.