" Also, let your followers fight your battles for you whenever possible. Remember, the true guru doesn't need to get their hands dirty messing with the unwashed lower beings. If you have people who disbelieve or doubt you, let your followers argue with them"

from the guru handbook http://www.cyquest.com/guru_handbook.html

(I am not saying that this explains reporter's presence but it explains to some extent Rawat's refusal to go into a real discussion)