VHP threatens Russian establishments with retaliation if Gita is banned

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The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Tuesday warned of protests outside Russian establishments in India if the Bhagavad Gita was banned in that country.

"Bhagavad Gita is not just a book but is (God) for the Krishna devotees and all Hindus," VHP international working president Pravin Togadia said in a statement.

"The principles taught in the Gita are universal and touch humanity so very deeply," he said, adding that even Albert Einstein was influenced by the holy book.

He warned that if the Gita was banned in Russia, then Indians would be forced to protest against Russian goods, as well as Russian plants and offices.

Togadia's warning comes hours after fresh protests broke out in Parliament over the issue.

The Government today termed the complaint as 'patently absurd' and said it seemed to be the handiwork of 'some ignorant and misdirected or motivated individuals'.

Announcing that the government had taken up the matter at 'senior levels' of the Russian government, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna told Lok Sabha that the government was confident that Moscow will resolve the matter 'appropriately'.

"While this complaint is patently absurd, we have treated this matter seriously and the Embassy of India (in Moscow) is closely monitoring this legal case," he said, adding that the government fully shared the sentiments expressed by the members on the issue.

Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj today demanded that Gita be declared a 'national book' so that 'no country would dare to insult it'.

The issue was raised in both Houses of Parliament, with members of several parties in Rajya Sabha condemning the move with some wanting to know whether Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had raised the issue during his recent Russia visit.

"This complaint, apparently driven by some local individuals, was to the effect that the third Russian edition of the publication 'Bhagwad Gita As It Is' - a translation of a commentary by Swami Prabhupada, founder of Iskcon, had certain portions that were 'objectionable' and 'extremist' in nature," he said.

During Zero Hour in the Upper House, Tarun Vijay (BJP) equated Gita to the Sun and the Himalayas and asked 'can you ban Sun and the Himalayas?'

To this, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajeev Shukla said: "We are apprising the Russian Government. Their minister has expressed regrets."