Under VHP fire,Azam gets support from mahant

“I personally asked Azam Khan about the whole episode and his involvement in the government’s decision. He clarified that he had no role in it and I am convinced,” Kailashanand said.

Kailashanand,who heads the Dakshin Kali Mandir in Haridwar,shares a good equation with SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and his family. Kailashanand had also visited Khan at his residence to offer condolences when his mother passed away.

It was reportedly Mulayam who sent Khan for the meeting with Kailashanand to pacify the sadhus.

“When I asked him (Khan) about his role in banning the VHP yatra,he informed me that for past 15 days,he had not met (Chief Minister) Akhilesh Yadav and Mulayam. He did not even have any telephonic conversation with them and thus has no role in the government’s decision,” Kailashanand said. “I called up Dinesh Joshi,the working president of the VHP,and informed him that Azam had clarified before me and he has no role. Joshi admitted that it may be possible.”

Kailashanand was,however,cautious about extending support to the yatra. “It is true that the yatra is not according to tradition. But since Ayodhya is a city of saints,the government should consider the wishes of saints,” he said

“At the same time,it should be seen there is no law and order problem. Hindu-Muslim unity should also be kept in mind,” he added.