Several groups took to the streets in Varanasi on Monday, to protest against a seminar conducted by Nithyananda, the self-styled godman accused of rape. Nithyananda is currently conducting a 21-day seminar called “Inner Awakening” the city.
The groups are demanding that he should not be allowed to conduct satsangs in the holy city.
Among the groups that are protesting are Gulabi Gang (activists fighting injustice and atrocities against women), All India Student Association (AISA), students of Benaras Hindu University and Kashi Vidhyapeet, Progressive Writers Association, Lok Chetana organisation 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 seminar in Varanasi to a Satyagraha march.
Angry women protesters were also found attacking Nithyananda’s hoardings and posters with slippers and sticks.
The Sub-Divisional Magistrate Tribuvan Vishwakarma has assured the protesters that Nithyananda will be ordered to leave Varanasi within four days.
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