Thackeray fumes at move to install golden throne for Sai Baba

Mumbai, Aug 20 (UNI) Shiv Sena Chief Bal Thackeray has said the move of the Sai Baba Temple Trust in Shirdi to make a golden throne for the revered 20th century saint by spending Rs 22 crore was ''madness'' and the funds would be better utilised for helping '' the distressed and the needy.'' In a front page article appearing in his party mouthpiece today ''Saamna'', Mr Thackeray called to ''stop this madness''.

''What kind of devotion is this? Isn't helping those in distress true devotion of God?'' Mr Thackeray asked.

The Sena chief said he was shocked when he heard the news that it was proposed to have a gold throne for Sai Baba by spending Rs 22 crore. ''During the last few years, Maharashtra has witnessed several natural and man made calamities -- there have been farmers' suicides, floods, bird flu, chikungunya and the recent Mumbai bomb blasts. Many families have been rendered homeless and many others have seen their breadwinners losing their lives. Can these Rs 22 crore not be used to help the distressed and the needy?'' he asked.

Mr Thackeray said he often wondered whether India was a rich or a poor country. ''There are several instances of armymen sacrificing their lives to protect the nation. Many of these brave men were the sole bread earners for their families. Why not give provide the Rs 22 crore for their assistance? Is not helping the needy considered to be devotion to the almighty?'' he asked.

MORE UNI MR MAZ RP KN1719