Gujarat: BJP ex-MLA tries to assault Ram Katha preacher Morari Bapu

RAJKOT: Ram Katha preacher Morari Bapu had a close shave after former BJP MLA of Dwarka, Pabubha Manek, tried to assault him in the temple town on Thursday.
Morari Bapu had come to pay obeisance at Dwarkadhish temple and put a lid on a controversy that was triggered by his alleged remarks about Lord Krishna and his brother Balram some days ago.
Manek, who had unsuccessfully challenged his disqualification as an MLA in Supreme Court recently, reached the VIP guest house of temple where Morari Bapu was addressing media persons along with Jamanagar BJP MP Poonam Maadam.After Morari Bapu, Maadam was about to interact with reporters when Manek rushed in and reached menacingly close to the preacher. However, a person intervened in the nick of time and took away the MLA.
Videos of the incident showed Maadam desperately pleading with Manek to control himself. Manek relented but is seen addressing Morari Bapu curtly and asking him to leave immediately.
Talking to reporters, Maadam said, “Devotees were hurt by Morari Bapu’s comments regarding Lord Krishna, Balram and about Dwarka and Yadavs. The community had demanded that he come to the temple and apologize before Lord Krishna.”
Morari Bapu said, “I have publicly apologized to all those who were hurt by my words. I sincerely wish to maintain the unity and integrity of the society.”
Manek was not available despite several attempts.
According to sources, Morari Bapu reached Dwarka at around 6pm and performed puja in the temple. He had planned to stay overnight in the guest house, but left for Porbandar after the ruckus.
Rohan Anand, superintendent of police, Devbhumi Dwarka district, told TOI: “After some altercation, there was an attempt to assault Morari Bapu. Once Bapu settled in the room in the presence of the MP, police were standing guard outside to see that no unknown person enters.” No formal complaint has been lodged, said Anand.
Morari Bapu had allegedly riled Lord Krishna followers, particularly those from the local Aahir community, with the comments made nearly a decade ago. Followers of Lord Krishna had even submitted memorandums to the government authorities in several districts demanding that the preacher come in person and offer his apology in Dwarkadhish temple.