Several groups took to the streets of Varanasi on Monday to protest against a program conducted by Nithyananda, the self-styled godman accused of rape. Nithyananda is currently conducting a 21-day program called "Inner Awakening" the city.
The groups are demanding that he should not be allowed to conduct satsangs and other programs in the holy city. Among the groups that are protesting are Gulabi Gang (women’s activists who fight against injustice and atrocities against women), All India Student Association (AISA), students of Benaras Hindu University and Kashi Vidhyapeet, Progressive Writers Association, Lok Chetana organization and Nirmal India Party.
Various forms of protest could be seen in the city ranging from signature campaigns appealing to the Chief Minister and local authorities to stop Nithyananda’s programs in Varanasi to a Satyagraha march. Angry women protestors were also found attacking Nithyanada’s hoardings and flex posters with chappals and sticks.
The
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Tribuvan Vishwakarma has assured the
protestors that Nithyanada will be ordered to leave Varanasi within four
days.
Credits: The News Minute