Hyderabad, Jun 18: The main Opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) today demanded that the Andhra Pradesh Government take steps to dispel doubts among scores of devotees on the happenings in the Satya Sai Central Trust at Puttaparthi.
Addressing a press conference here, senior TDP member and Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council Dadi Veerabhadra Rao said the happenings in Prasanti Nilayam, the abode of late Satya Sai Baba, have been causing anguish among his devotees not only in India but also in foreign countries.
“The Satya Sai Central Trust members should bear in mind that the Trust affairs are not their own and that devotees across the globe are keenly observing them. Lack of transparency (in the Trust affairs) is causing several apprehensions and the Government's silence is baffling.”
He regretted that the Government remained a mute spectator and did not make any effort to ensure transparency in the trust affairs when doubts arose in people's minds.
“The Government need not directly interfere with the Trust affairs but it can certainly play an observer's role and give necessary suggestions so that the lofty ideals of late Satya Sai Baba are upheld,” Rao maintained.
The TDP leader said there was a need to expand the Trust and strengthen it so as to properly implement the programmes started by the popular religious leader.
“There are many ardent devotees of the Baba in India and abroad, some of whom could be nominated to the Trust. The Government can play a facilitator's role in this regard.
Similarly, the Government should consult the Trust members and take required steps to protect its properties without leaving scope for any suspicion in the minds of devotees,” Rao, a close follower of the Baba, said. PTI
