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The grand Shri Shiv Mahapuran Katha, which is going to start from September 11 in Unchahar of Rae Bareli district of Uttar Pradesh, is no longer limited to just religious events. The discussion of inviting Jansatta Dal President Raja Bhaiya i.e. Raghuraj Pratap Singh to this event organized on the initiative of Cabinet Minister and Unchahar MLA Manoj Kumar Pandey has attracted the attention of political circles. On the other hand, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also accepted the invitation for the event. In such a situation, the possible VIP gathering on the stage of Shiv Katha is giving rise to a new discussion regarding the political equations of the times to come.

International storyteller Pandit Pradeep Mishra (from Sehore) will narrate the story of Shiv Mahapuran from 11 to 17 September near Chadrai intersection, Toll Plaza of Unchahar. A huge pandal and German hangar are being prepared in an area of ​​about 100 bighas for the event. Extensive arrangements are being made for the devotees including parking, drinking water, toilets and temporary medical arrangements. A grand Kalash Yatra is also proposed before the Katha on 10th September. According to the organizers, about 10 thousand women will participate in it and preparations have also been made to shower flowers from the helicopter. Lakhs of devotees are expected to reach the Katha place.

Political stir due to presence of Raja Bhaiya

The biggest discussion regarding this event is now about Raja Bhaiya's invitation. In this program, Manoj Pandey had an intimate meeting with Raja Bhaiya and invited him to participate in the Shiva Mahapuran Katha. Raja Bhaiya has accepted the invitation and assured to come. Raja Bhaiya is counted among the prominent regional leaders who have influence in the politics of Purvanchal and Awadh. In such a situation, if he reaches the stage of the story, then this picture will definitely be important from the political point of view. However, it is too early to say whether Raja Bhaiya's presence is a sign of any new political alliance, but the presence of influential leaders from different political backgrounds on the same platform can naturally give rise to discussion of new equations.

CM Yogi accepted the invitation

Mantmari Nose Pandey has met Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and invited him to participate in the story and according to reports, the Chief Minister has accepted the invitation. Apart from this, the organizers have also said that Chief Ministers of many states, Governors, Union and State Ministers, saints and eminent people associated with the High Court and the Supreme Court will be invited. However, the names of all these and official confirmation of their final appearance has not been revealed yet. In the coming days, it will be interesting to see which big faces of the state and country's politics are seen together on the stage of a religious event.

Will any new political message emerge from the religious platform?

This event is important for Manoj Pandey in many ways. He was once among the prominent leaders of Samajwadi Party and joined BJP in 2024. Now he is a cabinet minister in the Yogi government. Political activities are intensifying in Uttar Pradesh regarding the 2027 assembly elections. Discussion has also started on Unchahar seat regarding electoral contest and caste equations. Recent political analyzes have seen Manoj Pandey's position, the SP-Congress alliance and local caste equations as electoral challenges.

At such a time, a religious event with the possible presence of thousands and lakhs of people cannot be ignored politically.

Trying to solve the Brahmin-Thakur equation?

Manoj Pandey is recognized as an influential Brahmin leader, whereas Thakur voters and regional influence have been discussed for a long time in Raja Bhaiya's politics. In such a situation, the appearance of both the leaders together on a religious platform can definitely be read as a political message, but it would be too early to directly call it a 'Brahmin-Thakur unity campaign'. Regarding the event, it has been publicly described as a religious and social event. Manoj Pandey himself has described it as a collective effort of the entire Unchahar area, public representatives, workers, Katha Committee and devotees.

Can there be an impact in Purvanchal?

Social equations have always been important in the politics of Purvanchal. Both Brahmins and Thakurs are considered politically influential social groups. In the past years, there has been a continuous debate regarding political distance or closeness between these two communities. In such a situation, the possible presence of both influential political faces on a big religious platform can definitely give a symbolic message of social dialogue and reducing political distance.

The most interesting aspect of the event is that the stage will be religious but the political faces seen on it can definitely fuel the discussion about the politics of 2027. On one hand, Manoj Pandey is BJP minister and MLA from Unchahar, on the other hand, Raja Bhaiya, a regional face with influence in the politics of Purvanchal-Awadh along with the possible presence of big BJP leaders.