Modi Highlights Frequent Communication with Dalai Lama in Election Speech
Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed in his May 24 election speech in Mandi constituency that he frequently communicates with the Dalai Lama, according to the IANS news service. Modi’s announcement comes ahead of the June 1 elections, where Himachal Pradesh will vote to elect four members to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian parliament.
In the fiercely contested election, Modi’s BJP faces off against the Congress party for all four seats. The BJP’s candidate for the Mandi constituency is Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut. Ranaut, who was nominated for the seat, met with the Dalai Lama on April 15, accompanied by former BJP Chief Minister Jairam Ramesh Thakur. Ranaut described the meeting as “very emotional” and a cherished experience.
During his speech in Mandi, Modi emphasized, “India is the country of Buddha and the Modi government has vigorously promoted this heritage,” highlighting the state’s significant Buddhist heritage.
Modi’s comments followed an incident where Ranaut was shown black flags in the Buddhist-dominated Kaza area of Lahaul and Spiti. The protest was in response to a controversial tweet she made about the Dalai Lama in April 2023. Although Ranaut later apologized, calling it a harmless joke and affirming her respect for the Dalai Lama, the incident stirred local tensions.
Congress candidate Vikramaditya Singh criticized Ranaut on May 22, stating, “People of the tribal area worship Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama as their God, and if someone passes any remarks against their God, they will surely not like it and protest,” according to PTI. Ranaut claimed the Congress was behind the protest in Kaza.
The Mandi constituency encompasses Kullu, Mandi, parts of Chamba and Shimla districts, and the tribal-dominated regions of Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti, areas with significant Buddhist populations.
Modi’s assertion came shortly after Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu visited the Dalai Lama, as reported by IANS. During this meeting, Sukhu sought blessings, and the Dalai Lama praised the state’s and India’s religious respect, as reported by PTI on May 24.
Additionally, around 800 Tibetan exiles have registered as voters in this election, indicating their active participation in the democratic process.
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