Haryana Health and Sports Minister Anil Vij is familiar with being in the headlines for the wrong reasons these days. The minister faced criticism for declaring that he was in the Rio Olympics to focus on the Haryana players. To add to the list of his mis-steps, the minister stirred up a storm after he donated Rs 50 lakh of taxpayers' money to Dera Sacha Sauda, an organisation run by controversial Sikh leader and bling enthusiast Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh who is best known for the Messenger of God: MSG series outside Punjab. Ram Rahim, 49, says the money given to him will be used to train "players in all Olympic sports" and not just for a unique blend of kabaddi, kho kho and wrestling that he has created.

Vij announced the donation at Dera Sacha Sauda in the Tiranga Rumal Chhu program at Sirsa district on Saturday after he witnessed a sporting event, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was also present at the event. "It is a very good thing. Along with religion, education and games are there, that means they are trying to prepare a complete human being," Vij said about the activities at the Dera Sacha Sauda Stadium. "He is encouraging the games. Since the schools are also encouraging games here, I would like to donate Rs 50 Lakh from my discretionary fund," he added. The leader defended his actions by asserting that he is the maalik or the owner of the fund and that the work being done in the stadium is a step in the right direction to promote sports.