As religious leader Namdev Tyagi alias Computer Baba launched a 'Hatyog' in Bhopal in support of Congress' candidate Digvijaya Singh against BJP's Pragya Singh Thakur, the Election Commission has opened a probe in the Hindu seer's role in the Lok Sabha elections.
The Election Commission on Wednesday said that it has started an investigation in the 'Hatyog' programme launched by Computer Baba in Bhopal. The religious leader started the 'Hatyog' at a ground in Bhopal on Tuesday to ensure Digvijaya Singh's victory in the Lok Sabha election.
The probe is being conducted by Collector and District Election Commissioner Sudama Khade on a BJP complaint. The probe is being conducted to find answers to three questions: 1- Who gave Computer Baba the permission to perform 'Hatyog' and when was the permission granted? 2- Did Digvijaya Singh invite Computer Baba and other saints to attend the 'Hatyog' in Bhopal? 3- For which party Computer Baba is campaigning and how much money is being spent on his programmes?
In Bhopal, Singh is facing intense competition from BJP's Sadhvi Pragya Thakur, a Hindutva activist. Computer Baba is supporting Digvijaya Singh in the contest against Thakur, an accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case.
Computer Baba, who was granted minister of state (MoS) status when Shivraj Singh Chouhan was the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, was recently appointed the chairman of a river trust by the Congress government.
The seer began a 'Hatyog' for Digvijaya's victory on Tuesday and claimed that 5,000-7,000 sadhus will perform pooja for the next three days and pray for Congress candidate's victory.
He said the BJP remained in power for five years but it failed to construct the Ram temple.
"Ab Ram Mandir nahi toh Modi nahi (when there is no Ram Mandir then there should be no Narendra Modi too)," the self-styled godman said.
Hundreds of sadhus, led by Computer Baba, also took part in a roadshow held on Wednesday by Digvijaya Singh. Several saffron and white robes-clad saints holding the Congress' and saffron flags shouted "Jai Shree Ram" while campaigning in support of Singh.
Some seers participating in the roadshow said they want the Ram temple to be constructed in Ayodhya at the earliest. Some police personnel, both men and women, in plain clothes were seen sporting saffron 'gamchha' (a cloth worn around shoulders and neck) during the roadshow.
Polling in Bhopal will take place in the sixth phase on May 12. The counting of votes is scheduled to take place on May 23.
