The Hindu : Gehlot meets Ram katha sant

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jan 07, 2003

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National

Gehlot meets Ram katha sant

By Our Special Correspondent

JAIPUR JAN. 6. Even as the dust settled over the controversy of the Raj Bhavan holding the "Ram katha'' recital by Morari Bapu here, the Chief Minister, Ashok Gehlot, paid a visit to the sant this evening. Mr. Gehlot went alone to the Raj Bhavan Guest House where Morari Bapu is staying and spent about 30 minutes with him discussing various topics, including "peace and Gandhian values.''

``We had a good discussion over various topics. Morari Bapu stressed the need to keep communal harmony and goodwill among the communities. He talked about `ahimsa'. His preachings carry the message of Gandhiji and non-violence. He talks about the oneness of Ram and Rahim,'' Mr. Gehlot said.

Mr. Gehlot also tried to clear to the sant the misgivings, if any, which had been created on the Government's stand over the programme.

He had earlier taken the stand that it was not proper for the Governor or the Chief Minister to organise "Ram katha'' recitals.

However, the Government made it clear that it was in no way against Morari Bapu or "Ram katha'' as such, especially when it was held for a cause such as collecting funds for drought relief.

The ruckus over the Governor, Justice Anshuman Singh, hosting the "Ram katha'' was created by the Left parties and the Rajasthan Union for Civil Liberties which pointed out the impropriety of Constitutional functionaries holding religious programmes.

The Congress Government here had made up for its initial vacillation over the issue by sending over half a dozen Ministers for the opening day of the recital on Saturday.

The opening "pravachan'' was attended by the Vice-President, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, and the Governor.

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