NRI businessman and Vedanti lock horns

Bhopal, Feb 3 (UNI) NRI businessman Sam Verma and Ram Janambhoomi Nyas acting president former BJP MP Ram Vilas Vedanti Maharaj have exchanged allegations and counter-allegations regarding the sanctity of the Rukmani Balaji temple, built by the former in his home district Betul.

Being propagated as a prominent place of worship, the temple is the venue for 'Bramhaotsav' every year and Vedanti Maharaj was invited this year to deliver a discourse.

Mr Verma, who hosted the function, has alleged that Vedanti Maharaj had demanded a car, worth Rs 8.5 lakh from him as 'dakshina', and started levelling baseless allegations against him when his demand was not met.

Vedanti Maharaj has staunchly denied the charges against him saying that he already possessed four vehicles.

Speaking to reporters about the controversy that started two days back, Mr Verma said he was shocked and hurt over allegations by Vedanti Maharaj that beef was served in the 'ashram' and that it was a den for terrorists.

He said he could not comprehend the reason behind these allegations, as he had provided appropriate 'dakshina' to Vedanti Maharaj after the discourse.

On the matter being looked upon as linked with forthcoming Uttar Pradesh assembly elections and Ram temple issue, Mr Verma said that though some political parties had raised their voices against Vedanti Maharaj over the issue, he was an apolitical person.

On the charge that Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Gulam Nabi Azad's brother Niyaz Baig being invited at the temple and being served non-vegetarian food, he said it was true that Mr Baig had come here but it was false that he was served non-vegetarian food in the temple premises.

Mr Verma asked people and society must decide what to conclude when a Muslim visited a temple and prayed for ending terrorism Meanwhile, Vedanti Maharaj, who resides in Betul, has opened up a front against the temple through his discourses.

UNI