Haryana Health and Sports Minister Anil Vij drew flak from Congress after he donated Rs 50 lakh from his discretionary fund to a religious sect in the State for promoting rural games.
Reacting to the announcement of Rs 50 lakh donation to Dera Sacha Sauda by Vij, Congress’ chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala on Sunday said, “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.”
“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,” said Surjewala.
The donation was announced by Vij at Dera Sacha Sauda in Sirsa district on Saturday after he witnessed a sporting event. Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was also present.
“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,” Vij had said.
“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,” said the Minister. Notably, all the games played inside the academy are created by Gurmeet Ram Rahim himself and are not played at national or international level.
Vij had led a Haryana delegation to Rio Olympics recently. Ahead of assembly polls in Haryana, the Dera had extended support to the BJP. The Dera sect has been in the
news, often for its colourful and controversial leader Singh, who commands a following that runs into millions.
last year, a controversial pardon granted to Singh over blasphemy charges sparked protests across Punjab.