Madurai Aadheenam: Protest greets new pontiff

MADURAI: Tension prevailed at the Madurai Aadheenam here on Sunday after members of  a Hindu outfit entered into a heated argument with supporters of Nithyananda over the legitimacy of appointing the controversial godman as the 293rd pontiff of the mutt. Members of the Hindu Makkal Katchi, led by Arjun Sampath, also staged a protest condemning Nithyananda’s appointment and demanded that the government intervene and safeguard the glory of the ancient mutt.Meanwhile, Arunagirinatha Ganamandhasikar, the current pontiff of the mutt, categorically told members of the Hindu outfit that during his recent Nithyananda had all the qualities to be appointed as the 293rd pontiff and it was not necessary to consult other Aadheenams before appointing a pontiff for Madurai Aadheenam.“I was a bit reluctant to accept the responsibility because of the controversy surrounding me, but Arunagirinatha gave me the confidence. I will run the mutt as per his advice,” said Nithyananda.Nithyananda also said that 50 members from his ashram would soon visit the Madurai Aadheenam to manage the mutt and he would also open free schools in the district.Hindu Makkal Katchi leader Arjun Sampath and others demanded talks with Arunagirinatha in connection with the appointment of Nithyananda as pontiff. However, Arunagirintha reportedly refused to meet anyone but later, six members, including Sandikeswarar Narpani Mandram leader Suresh Babu, were allowed to meet him.While Arunagirintha defended the appointment, supporters of Nithyananda raised slogans in praise of him. Outraged by this, Hindu outfit members raised slogan against Nithyananda. Police then pacified the agitators and brought them out of the mutt.