'Controversial remarks by religious leaders negate Narendra Modi's good work'

Nashik, Jul 16: National president of Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad today slammed the controversial 'Ghar Wapsi' campaign besides hitting out at religious leaders who make derogatory comments that divert focus from the government's development agenda.

"Those people who are making such remarks should understand that they are denting (Narendra) Modi government's progressive image and diluting his good work," Mahant Gyandas Ji Maharaj told PTI.

He was referring to statements made by BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj and Union Minister Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti early this year asking Hindu women to have at least four children, sparking condemnation from various quarters.

Maharaj, who is in Nashik, to mediate the Kumbh work between the Maharashtra government and Sadhus (seers) also criticised those who have taken upon themselves to strengthen the Hindutva campaign via the 'Ghar Wapsi' (home-coming) programme and said, "They must understand that such retrograde statements will not have a good impact either on the society nor on our religion."

Maharashtra government has been successfully seeking Maharaj's cooperation to guide and settle disputes during the preparatory works at the Kumbh and he is very satisfied with the arrangements.

"I would like to say that the preparations are phenomenal and none of the governments till now have done such a commendable job," he said.

Maharaj also said the chances of him conducting any Dharmsabha during this Kumbh are very less as Modi government's performance has been on expected lines. He also termed Devendra Fadnavis as a bold Chief Minister who dared to bring a bill banning cow slaughter in the state.

"I met the CM during flag hoisting ceremony and conveyed the blessings on behalf of all cow-lovers from the country and abroad," he further said.

PTI