BJP to stay away from Brij Bhushan’s Ayodhya rally, sadhus, experts invited

Lucknow: Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is accused of sexual harassment by seven women wrestlers, will on June 5 showcase the strength of his fan following with a rally in Ayodhya in the face of mounting protest against him in Delhi.

The BJP MP for Kaiserganj will collect his followers at the Ram Katha Park in Ayodhya where sadhus, experts in law, education and social work from several states are reportedly invited.

Despite the fanfare beginning to form around the rally, his party’s Ayodhya BJP unit has distanced itself from the rally.

Sharan Singh is planning the rally even as the Delhi Police has registered two FIRs against the MP, following which he has distanced from political programmes of the BJP.

However, Singh has been on a tour over the week to UP’s several districts including Gonda, Ayodhya, Bahraich and Basti to invite people to the Ayodhya rally, The Indian Express reported.

‘The BJP is not associated with the rally. We’ll participate only if the leadership asks us to. So far, we have received no such directions,’ said BJP’s Ayodhya district president Sanjeev Singh was quoted as saying.

Sanjiv Singh, an associate of Sharan Singh, said that it is not a political rally but one that will have 'discussion with ‘sadhus and intellectuals on how to deal with those who misuse law to defame somebody.’

Sanjiv Singh further said that punishment handed to people, who levels false allegations, under IPC Section 182 (false information with intent to cause public servant to use his lawful power to the injury of another person) is not commensurate with the crime, according to The Indian Express.

‘Action provided under IPC Section 182 is insufficient. At the rally, a demand will be raised to amend the law and make the punishment in such cases severe,’ he was quoted as saying.

The BJP as of now has not taken any action against the tainted MP, even sparing him a show cause notice, according to the report.