Roadblock in Morari Bapu’s path

Construction of four-lane road leading to Morari Bapu's ashram, Chitrakut Dham in Talgajarada village from Mahuva by-pass has run into controversy with local farmers challenging it before the Gujarat high court.

The farmers have alleged that the state government has initiated construction of 2.5 to 3 km road under public-private partnership in agriculture land without following any procedure under the Land Acquisition Act. The petition is to be heard by a bench of the high court in next few days.

However, when DNA contacted Morari Bapu, he said that he is not willing to build any road by hurting the sentiments of the villagers.

"The villagers should talk to before approaching the high court as I do not wish to cause any damage or injustice to the villagers. I do not want land even of the size of a nail," Bapu said.

Talgajarada is situated in Mahuva Taluka of the Bhavnagar district and is the native place of Morari Bapu. "I had even discussed the issue with Gandhian activist Chinubhai Modi and local BJP MLA, Dr Kanubhai Kalsaria. I had also expressed my sentiments that I neither wish to harm anyone, nor cause anxiety to the villagers by building the road if that hurts them."

In their petition  Jasu Hadia and others submitted that, the expansion is taking place only to please Morari Bapu.