The Government says it will not interfere in the affairs of the lucrative Sri Satya Sai Central Trust at least for the time being. The Rs 40,000 crore trust set up by the late Satya Sai Baba administers several charities in and outside the country. For the first time since Baba fell ill and passed away, senior trustee Justice P.N. Bhagwati spoke to the media on Wednesday.

He said there is no successor to Sri Satya Sai Baba. Baba, who headed the trust as founder trustee was a bachelor and did not name any shishya to take on the mantle after him. Instead, he constituted different trusts with eminent people as trustees to ensure the smooth running of the hospitals, educational institutions and other service institutions funded by the trusts. Barring his nephew Mr R.J. Rathnakar, Baba’s family members were kept away from the trust's activities.

There are no differences between the Trust members and family members of Baba. We will continue with the programmes initiated by Baba,” Justice Bhagwati said, obviously referring to rumours that family members of the Baba want more say in the various trusts.Sources say that the trust is planning to promote Puttaparthi on the lines of Shirdi in Maharashtra, made famous as a spiritual centre by the Sai Baba of Shirdi.

The AP Governor, Mr E.S.L. Narasimhan, and Chief Minister, Mr N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, have had informal discussions on trust matters with the trustees. The trustees have promised to continue the legacy and programmes of Sri Satya Sai Baba and sought the cooperation of the State government. The Government assured the trustees that it would not interfere as long as there are no complaints of mismanagement, according to trustees.

The state BJP president and MLA, Mr G. Kishan Reddy, who attended the funeral on Wednesday, said there was no need for the Government to interfere in the trust’s affairs, since the trust is serving the people well.Government should not try to take over the trust. The trust has eminent people and it is the duty of everyone to ensure it runs smoothly,” he said.