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Journalism of Courage
Unfazed by criticism over the large number of land allotments to the RSS and its affiliate organisations, Union Urban Development Minister Ananth Kumar performed Shilanyas at one such 571-square-yard plot in Rouse Avenue. Seated next to him were VHP leaders Ashok Singhal and Acharya Giriraj Kishore along with BJP’s Mange Ram Garg, Mridula Sinha and other senior leaders.
The ceremony was held on the land allotted to the Dharmayatra Mahasangh, of which Jagmohan is the patron and Garg its president. It figured in The Indian Express investigation of allotments.
Said the poojari at the bhoomi poojan after the shilanyas: Ananth Kumar ji ke kathak prayason ke baad Dharmayatra Mahasangh ko zameen mili hai (We have got this land because of Ananth Kumar’s efforts)…Yah bhoomi poojan bhee unke sangrakshan mein ho raha hai. (This poojan is under his guidance).
The Dharamyatra Mahasangh proposes to construct its headquarters on the plot. Speaking to The Indian Express, Garg said: ‘‘We will construct a four-storeyed building within a year which will coordinate on every aspect of pilgrims visiting Amarnath and also for Kavarias. We will get donations from members.’’
Earlier, officials of the Mahasangh had said the organisation was intended to act as an interface between the Government and NGOs. Some of the other RSS organisations which have been allotted land in Rouse Avenue are Sanskriti Bharti, Vidya Bharti, Sanskar Bharti and Vishwa Samvad Kendra.
