Bala Sai Baba Refutes Charges

In the eye of a storm ever since a TV channel (ABN Andhra Jyothi) last week accused him of amassing crores in wealth through land-grabbing, religious leader Bala Sai Baba based at Kurnool, in a hostile interview with Studio N, agitatedly - for a spiritual leader supposed to have conquered his emotions, at least - accused the media of lies and slander, and threatened to start a TV channel himself.

Saying that he will return any property that is proven as having been illegally acquired by him, he said that several people follow him since they believe that he has worked miracles. He also said that he does not aspire to attract followers since since he does not need votes to win any election. He looks at each follower as an opportunity to improve a life, he averred.

He added that several false babas have emerged in society today, and also that people genuinely trying to work for the upliftment of society should be encouraged rather than targeted for news.

When the Studio N anchor asked Bala Sai Baba if he could perform miracles that would improve the lot of the common man in the state, the godman said that there is a government, bureaucracy and system in place for that. He also refused to perform any miracle that the anchor challenged him to.

What stands out about this interview and the press conference Bala Sai Baba held yesterday, is the way that the religious man sounds riled. Talking at a rapid pace and quite volubly, he did not look like a person who's spent years telling people about controlling their senses.