Hubli: Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and suspended BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) leader Uma Bharti today (Dec 9, 2004) criticised Congress President and UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi for her "deep silence" over the Kanchi Seer Jayendra Saraswathi's arrest.

Terming the arrest as a "conspiracy against the country", Uma Bharti urged Sonia to break her silence over the issue, while talking to reporters on her way to Kishkindha, near Hampi in Bellary district.

She said that she would not say that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa was not involved in it. "It (arrest) was her intention or compulsion, I do not know."

Blaming the UPA (United Progress Alliance) for "systematically destroying the Hindu culture," she asked the people to be "careful" about the UPA handling of the Shankaracharya issue.

Bharti said that the arrest of the Seer had been a "painful experience" for him. "When I met him, he told me that his arrest is part of his 'Tapasya' (Penance) and it is misfortune for the motherland and because of which (the arrest), he had to suffer." She quoted the Seer as having said, "I am totally innocent."

"The Shankaracharya has told me to tell the countrymen to pray for him so that he can come out clean," she said.

"Being in jail is not an issue for the Seer as he is a great saint and ready to take any level of suffering. His being in jail is a black spot for the Hindu society," she added.