VHP says allow Dalit entry in temples

On the first day of World Hindu Convention at Ardh-kumbh in Allahabad, the VHP called upon the Brahmin community to throw open the temples for everyone, including the Dalits.

On the first day of World Hindu Convention at Ardh-kumbh in Allahabad, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad VHP called upon the Brahmin community to throw open the temples for everyone, including the Dalits.

In a paradigm shift from its previous policy to keep mum on the issue of allowing entry to Dalits in temples, the VHP has turned unexpectedly vocal in favour of the oppressed classes in 8220;the larger interest of the Hindu society.8221;

A resolution tabled on Monday stated that the time has come to resolve all differences between various Hindu castes and classes and to work for a united Hindu nation.

8220;Keeping in view the need of a Hindu revolution, the temples must invite the Dalits to offer prayers and discuss religion. Temples across the country should also be developed as a centre for organisational activities. It should no longer be involved in any exploitation of the down-trodden as such activities hamper the growth of religion,8221; the resolution stated.

Further elaborating on the resolution, Vishwa Hindu Parishad International president Ashok Singhal said the Hindu votebank is divided due to the rigid approach of the temples and lack of

autonomy. 8220;But these problems can be weeded out by getting united,8221; he said.

Later, talking to The Indian Express, media-in-charge of Vishwa Hindu Parishad Sharad Sharma said, 8220;It8217;s a historic resolution. The simple motive of this resolution is to set the stage for a Hindu Rashtra.8221;

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8216;No mosque with Babar8217;s name within Ayodhya8217;s limit8217;

ALLAHABAD: Inaugurating the third Virat Hindu Sammelan on Monday, VHP president Ashok Singhal said the Parishad won8217;t allow any mosque bearing the name of Babar to be constructed within the municipal limits of Ayodhya. Addressing a huge gathering on the banks of Sangam, Singhal said, 8220;Ram temple will be constructed at the same place in Ayodhya, where a temporary structure is already in shape. And no mosque will be allowed in the vicinity of that place.8221; It is a coincidence that the demand for construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya is being raised at a time when elections to the state assembly are not far off, Singhal said.