Asaram is real saint, is innocent: Pravin Togadia

Rajkot: VHP leader Pravin Togadia on Wednesday supported controversial self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, facing allegations of raping a minor girl, saying he was a genuine saint. "Asaram Bapu is a real saint, he is innocent, but it has become a tradition in India to defame the religious leaders," the VHP`s international general secretary said while flagging off a procession to mark Lord Krishna`s birthday here. Jodhpur Police in Rajasthan is currently probing the allegations of sexual assault levelled by a 16-year-old girl against Asaram. Commenting on Uttar Pradesh government`s ban on VHP`s `Chaurasi-koshi yatra`, Togadia said it proved that Akhilesh Yadav government was "anti-Hindu".

Talking about Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, he said VHP had no objection if he became the Prime Minister. PTI