Anil Vij donates Rs.50 lakhs to sport event, faces criticism
Haryana Sports Minister Anil Vij became the centre of controversy after he donated Rs.50 lakhs to spiritual organization, Dera Sacha Sauda. Vij was at the Dera headquarters when he announced that he would donate Rs.50 lakhs to the organization. Criticizing the move, Ali Anwar of Janta Dal-United said that it was public money and should be given to those who need it.
Introduction: Anil Vij
Anil Vij is a politician from Haryana belonging to the Bhartiya Janata Party. He is a cabinet minister in Government of Haryana and handles the Department of Health, Department of Elections and the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs of Haryana. Anil Vij recently came under scanner after he visited the Rio Olympics with an eight member delegation, spending over Rs.1 crore.
Dera Sacha Sauda
Dera Sacha Sauda is a Haryana based Social Welfare and Spiritual Organization which was founded in 1948 by Mastana Balochistani. The organization is known to conduct welfare activities, some of them being blood donation camps, which helped during the natural disaster in Uttarakhand floods and fire in Kolkata. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is the current leader of the organization.
Dera Sacha chief accused of rape
One of the richest organizations in India, Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim was accused of sexually exploiting female followers at Dera headquarters in Sirsa.
Dera Sacha Sauda holds a sports meet
The Tiranga Rumal Chhu League, a tournament sponsored by MSG All Trading Company was held in Sirsa, Haryana from 22-28 August. Sports like athletics, kabaddi, kho-kho, judo and circle kabbi were played during the tournament, which saw participation of athletes from India as well as Canada and Australia. The winning team was given a prize of Rs.50 lakhs while the runner-up received Rs.30 lakhs.
Vijender Singh congratulates MSG on the games
Indian boxer Vijender Singh has sent his wishes and support towards the games organized by Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan. He posted a video on Twitter saying that games were a great initiative and invited more and more people to join the games.
I am the owner of the donated money: Vij
Defending himself, Anij Vij said that he is the owner of the money and has donated the money from his own discretionary fund. He also added that he would have donated more money if he had the power to do so.