BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj openly defends rape convict ‘godman’

News Network

August 26, 2017

Lucknow, Aug 26: Hardline Hindutva leader and BJP Lok Sabha member Sakshi Maharaj has openly defended Dera Sachha Sauda chief Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim, who was convicted by a CBI court in Panchkula in Haryana in a case of rape. Gurmeet is accused of raping sadhvis inside his 'gufa' (a customised underground chamber that was his personal residence).

Sakshi Maharaj, who was known for his provocative remarks, termed Ram Rahim a ''noble'' and a ''simple'' person, who commanded influence over millions of people.

''Crores of people consider Ram Rahim as their god while one person has complained of sexual exploitation...the feelings of crores of people should be listened to,'' he said while speaking to reporters at Unnao, his Lok Sabha constituency.

He said that the allegations against the Dera chief could also be ''driven by greed'' and ''prejudice''.''It is also possible that the allegations against Ram Rahim were actually aimed at showing the Indian culture in a bad light,'' Sakshi Maharaj said.

The BJP MP referred to the cases of Colonel Purohit, who was an accused in the Malegaon blast case and was recently granted bail by the supreme court, and Sadhvi Pragya Thakur, also an accused in the same case, to buttress his contention.

"There seems to be a planned conspiracy to defame the seers and our culture,'' he alleged.

He said that the violence in Haryana and Punjab after Ram Rahim's conviction showed the kind of influence he wielded on the people. Earlier also Sakshi Maharaj put his party in a difficult situation by his remarks.

Comments

Court gives verdict on basis of witness nd evidence not on basis of how many supporters or followers some one has. It's difficult to understand sometimes people need punishment against rapist nd sometimes support de rapist.

This is BJP's MP. This main is alleging the judges and judgement. It is contempts of the court.

He should be punished under such acts.

BJP has all such MPs.

This is the crime of the public who elected him to rule the country for public services.

People should learn to about the person they elect to rule them.

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Siddaramaiah's camp on alert as Karnataka Congress leadership rift escalates

News Network

November 27,2025

Bengaluru, Nov 27: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s camp is reportedly on alert as the Congress leadership tussle in the state intensifies, particularly amid speculation over the potential promotion of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Siddaramaiah is said to be in a “wait-and-watch” mode after admitting to “confusion” earlier this week and urging the party to “put a full stop” to it.

Sources say his supporters are ready to act if senior leaders — including party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi — give any indication of backing Shivakumar. If the party insists on a leadership change, Siddaramaiah’s camp has a list of alternatives, underscoring the deep rift between the two leaders. One possible candidate is Home Minister G. Parameshwara, a Siddaramaiah loyalist and influential Dalit leader.

The strategy was reportedly finalized at a meeting led by PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, another Siddaramaiah supporter, who stressed that Delhi leaders need to resolve the issue. Kharge and the Gandhis are expected to meet soon, after which Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar may be summoned to Delhi.

Shivakumar has largely stayed non-confrontational, publicly endorsing Siddaramaiah and downplaying speculation about his own ambitions. However, he has made pointed comments emphasizing the importance of honoring promises, directed at Siddaramaiah.

The feud traces back to the 2023 state election, when Siddaramaiah was chosen as Chief Minister while Shivakumar, who led the party’s campaign, was made Deputy CM and state party chief — a departure from the Congress’ usual “one post per person” rule.

There were also hints of a prior understanding that Siddaramaiah would step down midway through the term. As the halfway mark passed last week, Shivakumar-aligned lawmakers have ramped up pressure on the party for a leadership change, with Shivakumar himself hinting at stepping down as state party chief to pursue the top job.

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