MADURAI, INDIA, April 30, 2012 (IBN Live): Tension prevailed at the Madurai Aadheenam here on Sunday after members of a Hindu outfit entered into a heated argument with supporters of Nityananda over the legitimacy of appointing the controversial leader as the 293rd pontiff of the mutt.
“I was a bit reluctant to accept the responsibility because of the controversy surrounding me, but Arunagirinatha gave me the confidence. I will run the mutt as per his advice,” said Nityananda. He also said that 50 members from his ashram would soon visit the Madurai Aadheenam to manage the mutt and he would also open free schools in the district.
Members of the Hindu Makkal Katchi, led by Arjun Sampath, also staged a protest condemning Nityananda’s appointment and demanded that the government intervene and safeguard the glory of the ancient mutt. Hindu Makkal Katchi leader Arjun Sampath and others demanded talks with the Aadheenakartar, Arunagirinatha, in connection with the appointment of Nityananda as pontiff. Arunagirintha reportedly refused to meet anyone but later, six members, including Sandikeswarar Narpani Mandram leader Suresh Babu, were allowed to meet him.
While Arunagirintha defended the appointment, supporters of Nityananda raised slogans in praise of him. Outraged by this, Hindu outfit members raised slogan against Nityananda. Police then pacified the agitators and brought them out of the mutt.