INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
the Shakthi scheme, people, especially women, have been thronging major Hindu temples in the state for the past week.While buses operated by
popular temple towns have been running packed.Transport authorities say there have been numerous queries from women asking if they could
form all-women groups and book buses to visit temple towns of their choice.Countering accusations from BJP that the party is anti-Hindu,
transport minister Ramalinga Reddy, who is overseeing implementation of the scheme, said Congress is the 'real proponent' of Hindutva
"The real Hindu is one who worships god while respecting other religions," Reddy said
"This has been made possible by the Congress government
Congress is committed to protecting Hindus and ensuring their development."Nearly 1
2 crore women have travelled in state-run buses since the scheme was launched on June 11
The scheme is estimated to cost the state exchequer about Rs 4,400 crore a year.Besides increasing footfalls at temples, the scheme has also
boosted the local economy in temple towns like Dharmasthala, Kukke Subramanya, Kollur Mookambika, Kateel Durgaparameshwari, Udupi Krishna
Temple, Sringeri, Gokarna, and Horanadu
The rush of devotees has been such that temple authorities have had to cook additional food for devotees, especially on weekends.Temples are
The saffron party held protests when Congress suggested it would ban Bajrang Dal in its manifesto
The Shakti scheme has ensured temples get a regular stream of devotees, boosting their revenues.
