NEW DELHI, April 19 � With elections over in Assam, it is time for politicians to rush to pilgrimage centres seeking divine blessings and Shirdi in Maharashtra is emerging as the favourite destination.
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi is slated to visit Shirdi to pay obedience to Sai Baba later this week, while Asom Gana Parishad president Chandra Mohan Patowary accompanied by his family today left for Shirdi ahead of the counting next month. He is slated to offer his prayers at the Sai Baba temple, sources said.
The AGP chief had met senior BJP leaders, including Rajnath Singh and Arun Jaitley to work out a post-poll strategy, sources said.
The Chief Minister meanwhile, is also heading to Maharashtra. He is slated to undergo a medical check up in Mumbai before heading to Shirdi. He is slated to come to Delhi from Maharashtra.
Shirdi Sai Baba is regarded by his devotees as a saint. He is a well-known figure in many parts of the world, but especially in India, where he is much revered.
Meanwhile, Minister for DoNER, Bijoy Krishna Handique said that he is confident of Congress party winning the Assembly polls for the third consecutive term. The Minister predicted that the ruling Congress party might win over 60 seats.
Handique told newsmen that his assessment is based on in depth analysis of both phases of polls. In the first phase, the Congress is on a stronger wicket and retain 40-42 seats and in the second phase, the party might win 20-22 Assembly seats, he predicted.
About BPF, he said the alliance would continue and the two partners would form the next government. The Congress party and BPF had fought the polls separately and have talked of post-poll alliance.