NEW DELHI — Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India publicly distanced himself on Thursday from the gestures of idolatry that Indian politicians regularly receive, the latest an attempt to inaugurate a temple in his honor in the western state of Gujarat.
He told his more than 10 million Twitter followers on Thursday morning that he was “appalled” by the gesture, calling it “shocking,” and “against India’s great traditions.”
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Mr. Patel said he first became a fan of Mr. Modi 12 years ago, when the prime minister became the chief minister of Gujarat. He said 50 or 60 people gathered in the temple every evening, chanting prayers to Mr. Modi, which he called “NaMo sutras.” Mr. Undhad, the temple donor, said people visited the temple morning and evening, traveling from neighboring villages.
“The grief that I and all of us are feeling, is fathomless,” said Mr. Patel. “I am drowned in a sea of grief.”
