Gandhinagar: Continuing the tradition started by former Chief Minister Narendra Modi which was followed by his successor Mrs Anandiben Patel in her tenure, current Chief Minister Vijay Rupani today also performed Shastra Puja (weapons worship) at his official residence here on the occasion of Vijaya Dashmi.

Mr Rupani who performed the puja along with his wife in the presence of police and security personnel, later told newsman that he chose to continue this ‘bright’ tradition.

‘As a chief minister I have continued this bright tradition of worshiping the arms which are an important part of the battle against evil along with Shaastras (the holy scriptures). It is our cultural tradition to worship both the Shaastra as well as Shastras. Owing to this I have continued with the ritual of Shastra puja in the CM Bungalow. ,’ he said.

Several modern weapons were placed on a platform and the ritual of their puja was performed by the CM and his better half amid chants of mantras.

Mr Rupani also greeted the people on the occasion of Vijaya Dashmi and Dussehra .

The then Chief Minister Mr Modi had started this old age ritual in the CM residence premises over seven years ago. He used to give a pep talk of sorts to the security personnel on the occasion and used to say that this ritual keeps them away from the misuse of weapons.

He continued on with the ritual each year despite criticism from opponents. Former Chief Minister Mrs Anandiben Patel, who succeeded Mr Modi after his anointment as PM, also continued it.

Meanwhile Police organizations all over the state also performed such puja today. In Ahmedabad Commissioner of police Shivanand Jha performed the puja and said that he prayed that the weapons are used for the good of people.

Kshatriya community also performed this puja at several places and took out rallies across the state including Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar and Jamnagar.

DeshGujarat