'Computer Baba' (Photo: TOI)

NEW DELHI: A man called ' Computer Baba ' was yesterday one of five Hindu 'religious leaders' to be given the rank of minister of state in Madhya Pradesh by the state's BJP government.

The bearded, long-haired 54-year-old is called 'Computer Baba' apparently because he always carries a laptop with him. Another story goes that he's called 'Computer Baba' because his brain is as quick as a computer. Not only does he carry a laptop at all times, he's also said to be a gadgets freak, likely another reason for the moniker given to him.

'Computer Baba's real name is Namdeo Das Tyagi. Three years ago, he become semi-famous for having sought permission to land his helicopter on the ghats during the Kumbh mela. This, so he could take a dip in the Ganges.

'Computer Baba' , said to be originally from Indore, was also an Aam Aadmi Party ticket aspirant in 2014. He didn't get a ticket. Now, the BJP government has appointed him and the other so-called religious leaders to a committee set up for the conservation of the Narmada river.

"As members of the committee, they have been given the MoS (Minister of State) status", a state official told TOI.

Back in 2014 though, when he was seeking an AAP ticket, he was very critical of the saffron party and its ideological mentor, the RSS.

"I decided to go with AAP instead of the BJP or the RSS because the saffron brigade has only exploited sadhus and nothing else," said 'Computer Baba' in February 2015.

Even two years ago, he locked horns with the BJP government, when he led a group of 'religious leaders' to the police station to lodge a complaint and register cases against state ministers for putting up posters of another 'religious leader', Swami Nithyananda, who was accused of rape.

It appears all is forgiven now, as 'Computer Baba' today thanked the MP government for giving him the status of junior minister.

"We thank the government on behalf of the 'sadhu' community for showing trust in us, we will try our best to work for welfare of the society," said 'Computer Baba' to ANI.



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