Vishal Dadlani, Bollywood singer and music composer, has been forgiven by Tarun Sagar, the famous Jain monk, of whom he offered criticism over the weekend.

"Maharaj-ji has already forgiven and forgotten this incident. He said that this a very small happening for me and does not affect me in anyway," said Satyendar  Jain,  a Delhi minister and top leader of the Aam Aadmi Party or AAP, which Mr Dadlani said he was quitting on  account of the controversy.  

An FIR has been filed against Mr Dadlani on charges of offending religious sentiments in Haryana, which is governed by the BJP.

Tarun Sagar, referred to as Maharaj ji by followers, was invited to address all Haryana state lawmakers on Friday. Mr Dadlani was critical of the speech, suggesting that it reflected an unhealthy trend of religion colouring politics.

Dadlani, 43, referred to the speech as "monkery" on Twitter. He later deleted his comment and issued a public apology to Jains "and all others offended".

AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was quick to distance the party from the controversy, describing the monk "as a very revered saint, not just for Jains but everyone. Those showing disrespect is unfortunate and should stop."

In a rarity, this placed him on the same side as the BJP which faulted Mr Dadlani for disrespecting "a revered saint".