Shukla sniffs conspiracy behind reemergence of Vedanti

Asks govt to clarify about delay in the so-called saint’s arrest

Raipur, January 20, 2012

Former Union Minister Vidya Charan Shukla has alleged that the reemergence of Ramvilas Vedanti, the so-called saint against whom the police has registered case under different sections of IPC, was not a coincident but a planned move by the government. “Surprisingly, Vedanti has surfaced again in the state after four years and is publicly delivering discourses without fear of arrest. This indicates that the government conspired to bring him back with some ulterior motive,” charged Shukla while interacting with the media persons at Congress Bhawan on Friday.

“Vedanti spewed venom not only against UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi but also against minority communities like Muslims and Christians at Rajim Kumbh four year back. For this, he used the government sponsored programme, i.e. Rajim Kumbh. Now, it is the government’s turn to clarify its stand over the entire episode and the reason behind its delay in police action against Vedanti,” Shukla said.

“People like Vedanti misuses the religious forum and are actually disturbing elements. They not only challenge democratic system but also try to create rifts among different communities. Such people should be immediately put behind the bars,” he said.

Notably, the Congress general secretary and Durg Lok Sabha incharge Subhash Sharma had submitted a memorandum to Durg Collector on January 19 seeking ban on Vedanti’s discourse programmes and his quick arrest.

When asked about his party’s strategies regarding Vedanti episode, Shukla said the Congress would launch massive agitation in protest of Vedanti’s free movement in the state and would mount pressure on the government for his arrest.

When sought his take on recent public protests in Balodabazar after Chief Minister’s announcement that the new district would be called – Balodabazar-Bhatapara, Shukla said the ruling party had vested interested in it. “The pomp shows of the BJP during inaugural functions of the newly formed districts proved that it is attempting to hide its own lacking. People have realised the government’s intentions and the consequence could be seen in the form of public protest on CM’s declarations,” he added.

He further said that the BJP could not rub hands merely by making new districts as real challenge would begin now. “It would really be interesting to see how the government would take initiative for the development of these districts and what would be their establishment cost,” he said.

Citing example of new district Sukma he said, “The region is naxal-infested. Now, since it has become district, the government is expected to enhance its presence there. But if would think that the naxal problem can be solved merely by making any region a district then it is wrong as positive result would only come on concrete efforts.”

‘I am not interested in Prez or Governor post’

When asked who would he like to see as next President of India, Shukla said, “Any speculation will be premature as there are many in race.” When inquired whether he too was among the frontrunners he said, “I am not at all interested in President or Governor’s post.”

Asked whether the party had united now he said, “There was nothing like factionalism in the party even before, although differences of opinions do surface, especially during elections. Now there is no such atmosphere in the party and it is very much consolidated.”