Wednesday, December 7 2005 14:27 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Ayodhya: Expressing sympathy with expelled Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Uma Bharti, prominent sadhus of Ayodhya have advised the fiery Sanyasin to give up politics and devote herself 'to the service of Lord Ram'.

"Uma Bharti is a sadhvi and should devote herself to the service of Lord Ram by shunning politics," Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, President of the Ram Janmbhoomi Nyas, told reporters here.

The Mahant said that only devotion to God 'will bring her happiness and solace'. Refusing to comment on her march to Ayodhya, the priest said, "We are sadhus and therefore are not aligned to any political party. We would help and honour whosoever contributes to the service of Lord Ram without considering his or her political affiliations".

The Mahant said the sadhus and Mahant's had earlier blessed the BJP when it had extended support 'to the cause of Lord Ram'.

The Mahant of Sugriv Quila, Jagatguru Ramanujacharya Swami Purishottam Acharya, said Bharti failed to understand the politics of the people she was working with and was made a 'scapegoat'.

"It would be better if she stays away from politics as politicians are masters of complicating issues in their interest," he said.

VHP spokesman Sharad Sharma said Uma Bharti would be extended full support if she involved herself only in issues concerning the welfare of Hindus. He, however, termed her expulsion as an 'internal matter' of the BJP.