Bhopal, November 23: Swami Namdev Tyagi, popularly known as Computer Baba, who had been appointed as a minister of state (MoS) by the BJP government, has decided to back the Congress party in the assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh. Computer Baba decided to support the Congress at Narmade Sansad, where like-minded religious leaders from various states gathered to decide which party they should support in the polls.

"The saints will support the Congress," Computer Baba said at the gathering. "When we can give fifteen years to them (the Bharatiya Janata Party), then we can surely give five years to Congress," he added. "If Congress upholds dharma, we will go with them in future or else we will withdraw the support," he clarified. He was earlier accorded the status of Minister of State along with five others by the BJP government.

Computer Baba had resigned on October 1 while accusing Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan of not fulfilling promises, including cleaning the Narmada river. The godman also accused the state government of “doing nothing” for the protection of cows and “destroying Hindu shrines, temples and dwellings of seers in the state”. The BJP government did little to stop illegal mining in the river, he alleged.

Computer Baba also raised a demand for setting up a special ministry dedicated to Narmada river. "River Narmada is not in good condition, a ministry is required for this, too. Several other ministries will have to be set up. If one wants facilities for cows, then, there should be one for the Narmada as well. The Chief Minister will do what he thinks is necessary," he told ANI.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 23, 2018 09:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).