Ex-MLA 'charges' at preacher Morari Bapu over controversial remarks on Lord Krishna

Former BJP MLA Pabubha Manek allegedly charged a Ram Katha preacher Morari Bapu at Dwarka in Gujarat on Thursday, apparently incensed over the latter's controversial remarks about Lord Krishna. While the incident took place in front of media and was captured by TV cameras, Manek claimed later that he had no intention to attack the spiritual leader.

In a video that went viral, an angry Manek was seen rushing towards Bapu, who was addressing the media at the Circuit House after visiting the Dwarkadheesh temple here. Jamnagar MP Poonam Madam, who was sitting next to Bapu, and another person intervened quickly and took Manek away before he could get near the preacher.

READ: BJP breaks silence on Manipur MLA exodus to Congress; says 'monitoring; no action yet'

READ: 'Friction between party MLAs & Manipur CM; BJP MLAs' resignation led to crisis': NPP chief

The former MLA later claimed that his body language was misunderstood.

"I just wanted to ask Bapu why he uttered such words and from where he learned such things. Before I could get close to him, his supporters took me away, thinking that I had come there to attack Bapu," said Manek.

Recently, the Gujarat High Court set aside Manek''s election from Dwarka for submitting a faulty nomination form. Morari Bapu was in Dwarka on Thursday in a bid to mollify Lord Krishna devotees, particularly members of the Ahir community. He courted controversy recently with a statement that Krishna `failed to establish Dharma'' in his own city of Dwarka. Later he tendered an apology. 

READ: PSO of Odisha MLA dies in accidental firing while cleaning pistol

READ: Manipur's BJP-led govt on the brink as 9 MLAs extend Congress support: Seat numbers here

(Image credits: chitrakutdhamtalgajarda.org)