Tumkur: The vibrant Indian democracy gives a chance to anyone who thinks he can make a difference. And in Karnataka's Tumkur district, a rather unusual candidate is in the fray.
Come elections, candidates humbly seek voter's blessings, but have you ever seen a candidate blessing a voter? That's what naturally comes to Gourishankar Swami of the Samajwadi Party - he is the junior pontiff of Tumkur's famous Siddaganga Mutt.
"There was pressure from my bhakts and well-wishers. Politics is the extension of social service," says Gourishankar Swami.
Followers of the saffron swami, who was once a professor at an engineering college, find no contradiction nor a clash with their religion.
"Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Isaai - everybody will cast vote for Swamiji," says Mohammed Amin. When asked the reason behind it, he says, "because he is 'secular'.
While Amar and Mulayam may denounce Hindutva politics, this SP candidate is sure lending a saffron touch to the election scene in Tumkur. But, will Tumkur bless him in return with an MP's ticket? That remains to be seen.