Haryana Minister Anil Vij donates Rs 50 lakh to private games tournament organised by Dera Sacha Sauda, kicks up row

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Chandigarh: Haryana Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Anil Vij has courted controversy by making a donation of Rs 50 lakh for a private games tournament organised by Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim.

The donation was made from his discretionary fund.

Vij had attended the event 'Tiranga Rumal Chhu League' by Dera Sacha Sauda on Saturday. Dera chief was also present there.

"It is a very good thing. Along with religion, education and games are there, that means they are trying to prepare a complete human being. He is encouraging the games. Since the schools are also encouraging games here, I would like to donate Rs 50 Lakh from my discretionary fund," Vij had said.

Reacting to the controversy, Vij said on Sunday, "I gave Rs 50 lakh from my discretionary fund. I was my fund," as per ANI.

Meanwhile, Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala today said, "I haven't seen all angles of this story. All political parties are on the side of money being donated to encourage sports. Anil Vij has to consider his decision about attachment to people."

"He is in a responsible political and constitutional position. He has to take a decision about this behaviour. If he doesn't take any decision then people of Haryana will have to act," Surjewala added, as per PTI. 

 Notably, all the games played inside the academy are created by Gurmeet Ram Rahim himself and are not played at national or international level.

Watch Vij attend the Dera Sacha Sauda's sports event (Courtesy ANI).

WATCH: Haryana Min Anil Vij attends Dera Sacha Sauda's sports event, announces ₹50 lakh from his discretionary fund.https://t.co/avUOfBMbmt — ANI (@ANI_news) August 28, 2016

(With Agency inputs)