Expressing sympathy with expelled Bharatiya Janata Party leader Uma Bharti, prominent sadhus of Ayodhya have advised the fiery sanyasin to give up politics and devote herself "to the service of Lord Ram."
"Uma Bharti is a sadhvi and should devote herself to the service of Lord Ram by shunning politics," Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, President of the Ram Janmbhoomi Nyas, told reporters in Ayodhya.
Sangh washes hands of Uma Bharti
The mahant said that only devotion to God will bring her happiness and solace.
Refusing to comment on her march to Ayodhya, the priest said, "We are sadhus and therefore are not aligned to any politcal party. We would help and honour whosoever contributes to the service of Lord Ram without considering his or her political affiliations."
The Mahant said the sadhus and mahants had earlier blessed the BJP when it had extended support to the cause of Lord Ram.
Uma Bharti: BJP's didi out in the wilderness
Sugriv Quila Mahant Jagatguru Ramanujacharya Swami Purishottam Acharya said Bharti failed to understand the politics of the people she was working with and was made a scapegoat.
"It would be better if she stays away from politics as politicians are masters in complicating issues in their interest," he said.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad spokesman Sharad Sharma said Bharti would be extended full support if she involved herself only in issues concerning the welfare of Hindus. He, however, termed her expulsion as an internal matter of the BJP.