18 March,2011 06:12 AM IST | | B V Shiva Shankar
Though Viswesha Thirtha Swamiji had earlier denied having any links with Nira Radia, he admitted to MiD DAY that the controversial corporate lobbyist is his close disciple and that he's in touch with her
In a surprising revelation, Viswesha Thirtha Swamiji of politically influential Pejavara mutt admitted that he accepted donations from controversial corporate lobbyist Nira Radia, who is linked to the 2G scam. This acknowledgment assumes significance amidst the hectic developments related to the 2G scam, as Swamiji had earlier stated that he had no links with Radia and that the developmental works he undertook in the mutt had nothing to do with her.
For the people: Viswesha Thirtha Swamiji is the president of Vittal
Shikshana Seva Samithi. Pic/Satish Badiger
However, he was candid with MiD DAY, when he said Radia was indeed one of his close disciples and he had taken money from her.u00a0"Radia's contribution is remarkable, especially when we established Vittal Shikshana Seva Samithi in Delhi. She helped the mutt in many ways, and apart from contributing funds, she donated building materials including cement and steel," said Swamiji.u00a0
While he did not divulge the exact amount Radia has donated, a source in the mutt revealed that it was not less than Rs 50 crore. Besides, when Swamiji was revealing this information to a local news channel a few days ago, he gave a clean chit to Radia saying she was innocent.
"I have a good opinion about her and she is in constant touch with me. I even spoke to her about the 2G scam and her tapped conversations. I think she has done nothing wrong, but it is up to investigative agencies and court to decide that," he said.
Radia's spokesperson too agreed that she had contributed towards building a temple in Delhi. "It's been a great honour to work for Swamiji. We have been greatly influenced by the humanitarian work conducted by him. It's been our privilege to be invited by Swamiji to extend our humble support to such a noble cause by contributing towards building a temple in Vasant Kunj in Delhi," the spokesperson said.
He added, "We are overwhelmed by the support and response that the temple has received from the community and public at large, and are sure that under Swamiji's able guidance, the societal initiative will continue to flourish."
While the opposition parties are creating stormy scenes in the assembly over Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa's sons allegedly accepting donations from corporate companies in return for official favours, and are demanding a CBI probe into the issue, Swamiji's confession has assumed political significance.
"Donations to trusts are scandalous routes of corruption. While nobody can question the legality of these donations, one has to closely examine the intention behind it and the source of the money. I stand by my demand of a CBI investigation into the issue, and Radia's donation to the Pejawar Mutt is no exception," said Siddaramiah, leader of the opposition in the assembly.
