AYODHYA, Dec 5: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) launched its eight-day Dharna Jagran Yatra today with the unmistakable intention of raking emotions to reap a rich electoral harvest three months later. The yatra, which started from Karsevakpuram, is expected to serve as a platform for VHP to appeal to the people to elect a ``Ram bhakt Government'' at the Centre so as to facilitate the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.The yatra is reportedly aimed at awakening the people to the ``poor conditions'' at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple. The rath, which is a model of the present state of the temple, has been inscribed with the slogan ``Ram lala hain tat mein, baki sab hain thaat mein'' (Everyone is making merry as Lord Ram is housed in a jute-house).Replying to charges that the yatra was just a tool to pool votes for the BJP, former Bajrang Dal chief and outgoing Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Ayodhya Vinay Katiyar said: ``We are campaigning for a Ram bhakt Government.we can't help it if the people feel that the BJP is the only Ram bhakt party.'' Speaking to The Indian Express, he added: ``Why don't those criticising the BJP participate in the yatra and take over the Ram bhakt mantle from us?''Significantly, another outgoing BJP MP, Ram Vilas Vedanti, will be accompanying the yatra throughout its journey. About 400 VHP workers are participating in the yatra.
