Political conspiracy to defame me: Asaram Bapu

Spiritual guru Asaram Bapu Thursday said the sexual assault charge against him was politically motivated and, in a veiled reference, blamed Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul Gandhi. The Congress denied the allegation.

"I am not against any political party but people are telling me that 'madam' and her son are behind the conspiracy," said Asaram Bapu.

"I am not personally blaming anyone. I am telling you what I have heard because you (media) have been compelling me to speak on the issue," he added.

Some Bharatiya Janata Party leaders, including Uma Bharti, have come out in support of the spiritual leader, alleging that he was being targeted for his anti-Congress views.

Asked whether he was being supported by the BJP, Asaram Bapu snapped at the reporters.

"No party is defending me. This is wrong. You are trying to harass me," said a livid Asaram Bapu.

The spiritual guru was Tuesday served notice by the Rajasthan Police at his ashram in Indore in Madhya Pradesh asking him to appear before them for questioning on Aug 30 or earlier.

Citing engagements, the spiritual guru had earlier sought more time to appear before them but Thursday he said that he was ready to face questions.

"I won't ask for more time. I am ready," he said.

A miffed Congress said that it was 'inappropriate" to make such allegations.

"It is inappropriate to talk like this about big leaders and I would not like to comment on it," said union Minister for Transport and Highways Oscar Fernandes.

Congress spokesperson Renuka Chowdhury said: "Why would the Congress bother to conspire against him? He has a huge following and is instigating people."

Meanwhile, the BJP seemed to be distancing itself from the controversy.

"There is no question about saving someone or not. We should let the law take its own course," party spokesperson Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said.

A 16-year-old girl had last week alleged that Asaram Bapu raped her during one of her stays at his ashram in Rajasthan.

A case has been filed by Rajasthan Police and Asaram Bapu has been served summons to present himself for questioning.