BD, VHP action flayed

VADODARA, Sept 27: The Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad came under heavy criticism from different sections of society for their bar...

VADODARA, Sept 27: The Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad came under heavy criticism from different sections of society for their barbaric protest.8217;

Noted writer Rani Dharker said such a thing should not have happened. 8220;I am really angry with all that is happening,8221; she said, questioning the activists8217; credentials as guardians of morality.

Recalling the protest against Fire8217;, she said, 8220;those in power should curb such elements.8221;

Prabha Mehta, a poet and freelance writer, said she does not side with troublemakers. 8220;I approve of fashion shows so long as they are aesthetic and act as platforms for showing traditional patterns with modern changes,8221; she said.

Fashion shows are good as long as the body is not shown, she added.

Graphic artist Malati Gaekwad said the 8220;moral police8221; did not have any right to object to any programme, about which the participants, their parents and the police had full knowledge. 8220;When they did not object to it, why did a group of outsiders?8221;, she asked.

Sunanda Phadke and Anjali Karolia, who teach clothing and fashion designing in M S University, also criticised the manner of Dal and VHP activists8217; protest, though they said they themselves were against vulgar shows in the name of art or fashion.

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Buela Mark, a known model from Vadodara, said she was against such assualts on women8217;s freedom of expression. 8220;I do not agree with such reactions to such programmes. Such programmes mean a lot to women of contemporary times. Women too want a chance or two to come out from their old image and portray their capabilities8221;, she said.

Jagdish Thakker, former president of the stock exchange and a freelance journalist who is also associated with literary and social activities, however, said he blamed both 8212; organisers and activists 8212; for the disruption. 8220;They ought to have sat together beforehand and found an amicable way out8221;, he said.

An angry company executive, K K Mitra, called up the Indian Express office to say 8220;where were these hooligans when Advani8217;s daughter was campaigning in jeans and T-shirt. Why did not they protest then.

A Congress councillor said the activists were seeking cheap publicity. Alleging that the activists had the support of the ruling party, the councillor demanded that the cost of damage to the VMC8217;s property should be recovered from the activists.