Lucknow, Oct. 21 -- Rashtriya Shoshit Samaj Party president Swami Prasad Maurya on Tuesday stirred debate with his remarks questioning the practical impact of worshipping Goddess Lakshmi on poverty alleviation. Citing widespread poverty and unemployment in the country, Maurya stated that if prayers alone could bring wealth, India would not have 80 crore people dependent on subsidised food grains.

Emphasising respect for women managing households, he urged people to worship the "Ghar ki Lakshmi", the woman of the house, for true prosperity and harmony. Clarifying that he is not opposed to any form of worship, Maurya said his comments were meant as a rational appeal, not a religious provocation.

"Offering prayers to Goddess Lakshmi might ...