Bihar polls: meet the Raghopur priest who worships Narendra Modi

The Aam ghat is among many ghats along the banks of the Ganga in Raghopur. 50- years-old Goswami Bechan Nand Giri is the caretaker and priest in many of the temples situated at the ghat. Though religion is his main passion, he is equally interested in politics. Giri says he is a Ram bhakt as well as a Narendra Modi bhakt.

He recites a couplet glorifying the Prime Minister:

"Bharat ka ratna wohi hai jisme kuch nirmalta ho,

Dhnay Purush wohi hai jiska naam jagat me chalta ho.."

(Only the one with purity is the jewel of India, blessed is he whose name resounds in the entire world)"

According to him, Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar are at the root of every ailment plaguing Bihar, while Modi has a solution for every problem in the country.

'I will vote for the man who has elevated India's standing in the world. Who else but Modi?'

Although a self-proclaimed sanyasi, Giri is a family man and has 2 sons. His elder son works in a factory in Jalandhar. The younger one is an electricity mechanic in Hajipur.

Catch spoke to him about the elections and his love for Modi. Here's are some excerpts.

Who will you vote for in these elections?

Oh, for the one who has elevated India's standing in the world. It is our duty to consolidate his authority. How can we not support a man who is being acknowledged across the globe?

Whom are you referring to?

What kind of journalist are you? Is there any name other than Modi? Who else has raised India's flag across the whole world?

This means you are going to vote for the BJP?

Why not? We have been voting for these people (Lalu and Nitish) for the past two decades. But they have done nothing.

Some people claim Nitish has provided roads and electricity?

Has he done any favour to Bihar by doing this? Anybody could have done this much.

Liquor centres were opened in every village during the tenures of these two. They are promoting gambling and every village has become a den for lumpen elements. Youngsters are getting addicted to vices like alcohol and gambling and are losing their lives as a result of their policies.

What are the other failures of Nitish's rule?

He has promoted every caste other than Bhumihars, Brahmins and Rajputs. What kind of rule is this? The reign of Rama was an ideal one in which everyone was equal. Lalu-Nitish rule is anything but Ram Rajya.

Please leave religion aside for a moment. Do you think BJP will be able to give the kind of rule you are talking about?

Yes, why not? Narendra Modi is no ordinary man. He is an avatar. If he wins, rich and poor will be emancipated alike.

Emancipation of the rich? How will Modi empower those who already have money?

You didn't let me complete. I was saying how can the poor exist without the rich? Welfare of the poor is possible only if rich people are there. Poor people survive only because of the rich, be it in cities or villages.

Welfare of the rich would automatically mean the emancipation of poor people. Narendra Modi can do the poor a great favour by prohibiting liquor and gambling to begin with.

What else should Modi do?

He should pass a law against children who do not respect elders, who harass their parents and covet their money.

What would happen if Lalu Prasad comes to power after the elections?

It would be like the rule of demons in heaven. The state would witness murders, kidnappings and robberies.

Your region will vote in the third phase. What do you think will happen here?

Last time it was 'Tarka Yuddha' here (Rabri Devi was defeated). This time it is a battle between 'Marich' and 'Subahu'. Tarka was defeated by Lord Rama in Buxar. History will repeat itself this time.

Read more from our #PeopleofBihar series:

Bihar's Brahmins ask: why is our vote taken for granted?

Dalit PhD student Krishna: 7/10 for Nitish, 3/10 for Modi

An ATM guard who's always with a book, and why he'll vote NOTA

Banka Silk founder Udayan Singh wants a third term for Nitish

Graduate Azra feels Modi isn't inclusive enough to vote for

Whoever comes to power must create jobs: front-office boy Divyanshu

Nitish is a better leader than Modi: Student politician Zeeshan

Nitish has ruined his chance by joining Lalu: Lakshmi, graduate, Muzzafarpur

There's little to choose between Modi and Nitish: wannabe cop Vinit argues for NOTA

Lawyer Indira Sharma: Nitish started well, but has now lost his mind

Farmer Ali Ashraf: 'Dadri is jungle-raj. I don't want that in my state'

Researcher Sunita: don't like BJP but today's Nitish is worse

Social worker Munna Jha: no matter what surveys say, I'll vote for Nitish

Madrasa student Ahmed: Modi's promises fake, I'll vote for Nitish

Entrepreneur Imran: give BJP a chance to prove secular credentials

BCA graduate Manish gives Modi a 10/10. Find out why he's not voting Nitish

Farmer Pawan Yadav is angry with Lalu, but may still vote for him

Left activist Vineet: grand alliance lesser of two evils

Unskilled worker Ajeet: no interest in politics, but will vote Nitish

PhD student Tejee: I don't want development with riots in Bihar

Engineer-entrepreneur Sonu: Nitish did a great job for agriculture sector