The Asian Age

Rahul seeks special permission for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage

- AGE CORRESPOND­ENT

Even as the deadline for the registrati­on to visit Kailash Mansarovar is over, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi has reportedly sought special permission to undertake the pilgrimage.

Mount Kailash is considered to be sacred in four religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Bön ( Tibetan religion) and Jainism.

It may be recalled during the Karnataka elections, Mr Gandhi had a mid- air scare when his flight developed a snag. After the pilot managed to land the flight safely, the Congress president had gone on record saying in a public rally that during the mid- air scare he had prayed if he survived, he would visit Mansarovar.

The deadline for the registrati­on process to visit had bstarted on February 20 and ended on March 20. The yatra which commenced on June 8 wiill continue till September 8.

During the rally, when Mr Gandhi has spoken of his wish to take the pilgrimage for the divine interventi­on, BJP leader, Rajeev Chandrasek­har accused Mr Gandhi of indulging in “gimmickry” to influence the Karnataka voters.

However, when asked about the details and

◗ After a mid- air scare when his flight developed a snag, the Congress chief had gone on record saying he had prayed if he survived, he would visit Mansarovar

plans of Mr Gandhi’s proposed move to seek “special permission” to visit Kailsah Mansarovar, the party merely said that “its in process”.

It was further revealed that Mr Gandhi has also expressed his desire to take on the arduous trek, braving freezing temperatur­es, rugged terrain, dangerous trails and high altitudes to reach the pilgrimage.

Mr Gandhi’s “wish” to trek to Kailash Mansarovar was also being viewed as an extension of his temple run which had begun during the Gujarat elections. It also may be recalled in 2015, Mr Gandhi had trekked to Kedarnath shrine.

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Rahul Gandhi

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