As war clouds gather over Iraq, the VHP views the issue as a clash of civilisations and says India must side with US. VHP general secretary Pravin Togadia called for a re-structuring of West Asia. He underlined that unless this is done, ‘‘we can not defeat jehadi terrorism’’.Togadia said a US war on Iraq would weaken radical Islamic forces, which poses danger, particularly to the Hindu civilisation. ‘‘The biggest threat to the world at the moment comes from radical Islam.’’ He called upon the Vajpayee Government to give up its pro-Iraq stand, ‘‘a legacy of the Nehruvian policy’’, and ignore the calls of Leftists and radical Islamists to side with Baghdad. He said: ‘‘In taking a no-war stand, we are harming our strategic and economic interests as the war would strengthen the international battle against jehadi forces. Baghdad may be the route through which India can rein in Pakistan. India can also benefit economically when Iraq rebuilds itself after the collapse of the Saddam Hussain regime.’’It would be naive to dismiss Togadia’s stand on Iraq as an individual outburst. Given the BJP-led Government’s proximity to the US, one cannot rule out the possibility of the Sangh Parivar fielding Togadia to test the waters for a possible gradual shift in the Government stand. Even if the Government does not go along with him, the Parivar can endear itself to the US through such favourable noises. Besides, the VHP can also hope to neutralise the adverse publicity it has received recently due to its anti-Christian campaign. Replying to a query, Togadia said the ‘‘VHP has no problem with Christians, except on the limited issue of conversions.’’ While asking the Government to hand over the acquired area, including the disputed site, to the VHP, Togadia asked Muslims to honour the claims of Hindus over the Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura shrines. He said, ‘‘They should give these up, failing which we would not be able to restrain Hindus from reclaiming the 30,000 temples forcibly converted into mosques. It may be Bhojshala in Madhya Pradesh today and Bodangiri in Karnataka tomorrow and Asind in Rajasthan the next day.’’
