Don't know why Samson resigned: Baba Ram Rahim

Dera Saccha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh on Friday said he was unaware of the reasons behind Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairperson Leela Samson's resignation, adding that those protesting against his movie 'Messenger of God' (MSG) have not seen it yet.

"I do not know why she [Samson] gave her resignation. I did not even know her name. There have reportedly been objections that there are seemingly god-like stunts, but I can point to many more movies which were released, which have the same content," Baba Ram Rahim told the media.

"These people who are protesting have not even seen the movie," he added,

Baba Ram Rahim further denied speculations that the movie might send a message contrary to national interests.

"I do not understand why people are saying that the movie sends a message that threatens national integrity. In the movie, a person is donating blood, a child-bride shares her story and as part of the movie, we have planted five crore trees. How is that now in the interest of the nation?" he asked.

"We still do not know why the movie is not being screened. We have just been informed that there will some delay in doing so. Talks are still on. We have not finalised the date of release as far as the movie is concerned," he added.

Earlier in the day, Samson tendered her resignation, citing alleged 'interference, coercion and corruption' by the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) after the latter apparently cleared the controversial film MSG.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcast, however denied the allegations, stating that the government has a hands off policy when it comes to decision making at the CBFC.