UP seer opposes VHP yatra
Controversies continue to hound the proposed VHP yatra, scheduled to begin on Sunday.
In a fresh twist to the controversy, the Shankaracharya of Govardhan Peeth in Mathura, Swami Adokhshajanand Teerth Saraswati, has written to chief minister Akhilesh Yadav asking him to ensure that the Sangh Parivar is not given the permission to turn this “illegal” yatra into a “political” yatra.
The Shankaracharya, in his letter, has termed VHP leader Ashok Singhal a “politically motivated individual” who brings a bad name to the entire Hindu community.
It also alludes to VHP and its activities as those of an organised gang. “By giving undue importance to such persons and organisations, the state government’s own prestige stands dented. All such political attempts should be foiled in the interest of communal harmony,” the letter says.
Meanwhile, talking to local reporters, the Shankaracharya said, “The VHP’s attempt to disturb the prevailing communal harmony is a cause of major concern. The political outfit is using a religious issue, like the Ram temple, to divide the nation on religious grounds. This should not be allowed.”
The Shankaracharya also alleged financial foul play saying the Vishwa Hindu Parishad had used the Ram temple issue to amass funds to further the party’s political interests.
“Hindu devotees are being fooled by the VHP into giving donations meant for the construction of the Ram temple. Registered under the Societies Act, it has sought exemption from paying income-tax. Now, they are claiming paucity of funds. They should be asked to furnish detailed accounts,” he said.
Meanwhile, VHP leader Ashok Singhal maintained that the VHP would take out its yatra at all costs. The VHP has directed large numbers of activists to arrive at the temple town in advance and seek shelter in neighbouring villages.
Mr Singhal said, “Our talks with SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav were held in the most cordial and peaceful manner. However, things reached a flashpoint only after Azam Khan entered the scene and adopted a policy of confrontation and the government was forced to buckle under the pressure of vote bank politics.”
Mr Singhal also said he had met with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh before seeking an audience with Mulayam Singh Yadav.
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