VHP refuses to see beyond Hindutva

That the VHP is cross with the BJP-led Government is stale news. However, this time the difference is that the cause is not Ayodhya — i...

That the VHP is cross with the BJP-led Government is stale news. However, this time the difference is that the cause is not Ayodhya — it is Bali.

At a hurriedly called press conference in the Capital today, VHP general secretary Pravin Togadia protested against India’s reported denial of assistance to a project to save ‘‘Hindu culture’’ at Bali in Indonesia.

Togadia quoted a news report to the effect that the governor of Bali had written to India seeking assistance to protect ‘‘Hindu culture’’. He said some Indian officials in their response insisted that the word ‘‘Hindu’’ be dropped arguing that India is a secular country. The VHP leader said: ‘‘Anybody opposing Hindus will not be tolerated. Hindu is a symbol of glory.’’ He demanded a clarification from Vajpayee besides action against the officials concerned.

Answering questions, he maintained that the VHP rally at Ayodhya, slated for October 17, will be peaceful. ‘‘There will be no disturbance,’’ he maintained. A reporter asked him if the VHP would take responsibility if violence broke out. Togadia retorted: ‘‘Violence took place during the freedom struggle too. How often did the Congress take responsibility for it?’’

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said the designation gives law enforcement “enhanced powers to combat a group that has instilled fear through violence and intimidation”.

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