Fugitive guru Nithyanada's representative invited to UK Parliament
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The UK representative of the Indian guru Nithyananda was invited at the Diwali party in the House of Lords some time ago.
Atmadaya attended the function after being invited by the MP Bob Blackman and peer Rami Ranger, according to the Guardian.
Some attendees were reportedly upset over Nithyananda's profile; Nithyananda fled India in 2019 after he was charged with abducting children and rape of a follower.
After leaving India, Nithyananda reportedly set up his own kingdom called " Republic of Kailaasa".
Nithyananda has a huge following in India with dozens of temples and ashrams.
The guru, known for his tall claims about his supernatural powers, said in one instance that he delayed the sunrise, cure children of blindness, make cows talk and see through walls.
His ludicrous spiritual claims apart, Nithyananda faces serious allegations from former followers about sexual exploitation and " coercive behaviour".
A former disciple of his told Observer that she had been pressured into sexual relationship with Nithyananda, according to the report.
Followers were threatened with forced labour if they did not submit to his wishes.
Freelance journalist Poonam Joshi who attended the event in House of Lords said it was shocking to see the Hindu Forum of Britain invite Nithaynanda's representatives to parliament.
MP Bob Blackman, who invited Nithayanada's representative, previously was criticsed for inviting Tapan Ghosh, a Hindu nationalist who defended the genocide of Muslims in Burma, to a parliamentary event