Nithyananda sting leaves Modi red-faced

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/5648652.cms

VADODARA: The expose allegedly showing Paramhans Nithyananda in a compromising position on video tapes has left the state BJP leaders, including chief minister Narendra Modi, red-faced.

Not only did Modi share stage with the controversial godman in September last year the CM showered praise on him but also accepted a donation from Nithyananda's organisation for the state's Kanya Kelavani programme.

Few would have imagined that the photo op would go sour within six months.

Nithyananda had visited Vadodara on two occasions in the recent past. He first came to the city in September last year and held a programme at Navlakhi Ground on September 10 and C C Mehta Auditorium on September 11. The most recent visit was on January 27 for a meditation camp.

Modi had attended a satsang and a book release function organised by Nithyananda Dhyanpeetam on September 10. At the gathering, he praised the swami saying that he was committed to the traditions of Adi Shankaracharya and the principles of advaita'. Modi had released the book Jivan Mukti' on the occasion.

But, Modi was not the only leader present on the dais. The then Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd chairman N V Patel, state parliamentary secretary Yogesh Patel and Vadodara MP as well as mayor Balkrishna Shukla were also given space on the stage flanking Modi and Nityananda.

N V Patel said that he had gone to attend the programme on an invitation from the organisers. "We always respect saints. But, this does not mean that we endorse whatever they do. It would be wrong to affiliate us with them. Too much controversy is being raked up around the issue unnecessarily," he said.

Yogesh Patel pointed out that this was just another invitation that he had accepted. "I did not know about Swami Nityananda or his organisation. Many people invite us to different functions and insist we remain present," he said.