BJP ‘rethink’ on Asaram as YouTube clip is going viral

The reason for the BJP’s virtual silence on controversial godman Asaram Bapu, accused of allegedly raping a minor, became somewhat clearer on Wednesday as a YouTube clip (https://www.youtube.com/watch v=ha1D6TjRjZw), that shows a host of BJP and VHP leaders praising him, went viral on the Internet. Finding itself at the receiving end, the BJP’s top leadership as well as the RSS has now aked all their leaders, particularly the likes of Uma Bharti, to “go quiet” about Asaram Bapu. With Assembly elections fast approaching in MP and Rajasthan, the BJP not only adopted a soft line towards Asaram but Ms Bharti went to the extent of calling him “innocent”. The RSS has now said that supporting Asaram “at this stage” could land the BJP in a “mess” and “give a handle” to the Opposition if the “allegations are substantiated”. Some saffron strategists also feel this line is adversely affecting the party’s urban vot bank, which they think is rapidly tilting towards the BJP with Narendra Modi at the helm. Sources also said Mr Modi has signalled to party leaders to keep a “safe distance” from this self-styled godman.