BJP awarded Bhaiyyuji Maharaj ministership to cover up illegal mining concerns, claims Congress leader Digvijaya Singh
The Congress leader Digvijay Singh on Wednesday mocks Madhya Pradesh's BJP government over self-styled Godman Bhaiyyuji Maharaj suicide. He also blamed state government for the suicide of Bhaiyyuji Maharaj that the state government offered the spiritual leader a ministerial post to prevent him from voicing his concerns regarding illegal mining
“He (Bhaiyyuji Maharaj) was worried about illegal mining in the Narmada by Shivraj (Madhya Pradesh) govt and was offered the post of minister to shut his mouth. He rejected the offer and had told me about it on call,” Singh said.
Bhaiyyuji Maharaj was a model turned Guru, who has enjoyed political patronage and a considerable following shot himself in the head at his residence on Tuesday. In a suicide note, the spiritual leader wrote that he was taking the extreme step due to stress.
Maharaj was recently married, was among the five Sadhus who were awarded Minister of State status by Madhya Pradesh government, shot himself in his head at his residence. In April he was accorded a cabinet rank by Shivraj government, but he had refused the offer.
“A post holds no importance for a saint. All he has ought to think of is service to the people. When a post or status does not touch your mind, intellect or conscience, why think about it, the news agency IANS had quoted him as saying.
First published: 13 June 2018, 15:47 IST