New India Leader Guided By Astrology

The stars said, “Move now!” - and India’s new prime minister did.

On his astrologers’ advice, H.D. Deve Gowda moved into his official residence in New Delhi a week ahead of schedule to take advantage of a favorable stellar configuration Friday morning, the Times of India said.

Gowda, 63, says he is a deeply religious man who makes major decisions only after consulting with astrologers.

Gowda became prime minister this month as head of a shaky coalition of 13 centrist and leftist parties. A right-wing government that took power after last month’s general election fell after 13 days.

Earlier, Gowda’s astrologers had rejected as unsuitable two large houses that had been prepared as his temporary quarters, the Indian Express reported. Instead, he stayed at a state government’s guest house.