New Delhi, India - The images of Godmen laundering money, in the name of God, all for a commission - exposed by CNN-IBN and Cobrapost - have shocked the entire country. The Government, taking the issue seriously has promised swift and strict action.
Says Minister of State, Finance, Pawan Bansal, "We will investigate and take action against all illegal activities."
At a time when Uttar Pradesh is in the midst of Assembly elections, the expose has assumed huge political overtones.
While BJP went into a defensive mode and questioned the authenticity of the sting operation, the Samajwadi Party (SP) has got an issue to exploit and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) feels that Hindus are being victimised.
Says BJP spokesperson, Ravi Shankar Prasad, "The names that your channel has discussed are all respectable people. I am not sure how authentic this sting operation is."
Adds VHP Vice-President, Acharya Giriraj Kishore, "What is the purpose behind a sting operation? And why are Hindus always maligned?"
With the Income Tax department also promising action against the erring sadhus and the trusts, BJP baiters have got an issue to exploit
Says SP General Secretary, Amar Singh, "Some people use religion for money, some use it for politics."
With voting at the BJP strongholds in Gorakhpur and Ayodhya on Tuesday, this expose could throw up uncomfortable questions.