Mumbai: Swami Vishwa Teerth of Tejawar Math, Udipi, the spiritual Guru of former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Uma Bharati, has claimed that Uma is "innocent".

"The action is politically motivated. I had a talk with Karnataka Chief Minister and also senior Congress leader Oscar Fernandes to convince them to withdraw the case," the Swami claimed while speaking to a news channel in Mumbai today (Aug 24, 2004).

"I talked to Uma and asked her not to worry. Its a brave decision (for her to surrender before court) and I said it would add to her prestige," Swami Vishwa Teerth said.

The Swami further said that during the tenure of S M Krishna as Chief Minister, he had contributed to initiate steps to withdraw the case against Uma, but the change of guard has led to reopening of the case.

Swami Vishwa Teerth, who tours various parts of the region and was Uma's invitee to the swearing in function in Bhopal nine months ago, besides remaining present at various functions at her place, is presently camping in Mumbai and has put up at Raghavendra Swami Math in Dombivali town of neighbouring Thane district.

A Hubli court has issued non-bailable warrant against the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) leader in a criminal case filed against her at Hubli in 1994. Uma had then attempted to hoist a tri-colour on the Independence Day at the controversial Idgah Maidan that led to communal violence leading to death of five persons.

Police had then charged her under various IPC sections including attempt to murder.