India, March 29 -- 'Godliness is bigger than politics'

Bhaiyyu Maharaj aka Udaysingh Deshmukh

In April 2018, when the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh offered him a ministerial berth, Bhaiyyu Maharaj turned it down, saying, "A post holds no importance for a saint."

Originally from Maharashtra, Bhaiyyu Maharaj was based in Indore. Among his following were chief ministers and senior bureaucrats, who sought his counsel during political crises.

In September 2011, prime minister Narendra Modi invited the 'godman' to break his "sadbhavna fast" as chief minister of Gujarat. Those who have visited his ashram at Bapat Square in Indore include Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat, former president Pratibha Patil, legendary singer Lat...