Bengaluru, Feb 9: ‘Due to the undying efforts of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), we have been able to achieve equality among temples. Narrow-minded thoughts of the past have been done away with,’ said Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari, Dr D Veerendra Heggade.
Addressing the huge gathering of Virat Hindu Samajotsava held at National College ground here on Sunday February 8, he said that the dream of united India could be realized because of the concerted efforts of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. ‘We have to grow out of the our selfish thinking, and break down the barriers we have surrounded ourselves with. During the last 50 years, VHP has worked to break the shackles of narrow-mindedness,’ he felt. Dr Heggade also acknowledged the need for setting up separate cremation grounds for Hindus. ‘Everyone should have a sense of pride and reverence towards his or her own religion. At the same time, there is a need for all of us to stay united. VHP has been involved with the task of building a great society,’ he hailed.
The Samajotsava was initiated by offering puja to cow in traditional manner. Union minister, Anant Kumar, former deputy chief minister, R Ashok, Shobha Karandlaje and Abdul Azeem participated in the programme.
VHP south province president, M B Puranik, who delivered introductory address, strongly felt that it was wrong on the part of the concerned to bar the entry of Pravinbhai Togadia into the city during the Samajotsava. ‘Togadia has made huge sacrifices and devoted his entire life for the sake of Hinduism. Let us come together and condemn the forces which restrained him from taking part in the programme,’ he said.
BJP leaders who spoke on the occasion before the Samajotsav, launched verbal tirade against the state government, deriding it as a wretched administration. Anant Kumar criticized the state government for its single-minded approach of minority appeasement. Kumar also tongue-lashed the government for barring entry of Togadia into the city, terming this step as chief minister, Siddaramaiah’s style of enforcing a state of undeclared emergency. He said that the government has been trying to crush religious freedom through its measures.
Shobha Karandlaje also expressed resentment at the state government, blaming it of supporting acts of terrorism. She said Togadia had never delivered any inflammatory addresses so far, and accused the government of subduing those who are strongly patriotic.
R Ashok also charged the state government of appeasing minorities and indulging in vote bank politics. He said that the state government has been blatant in calling upon the citizens to help terrorists from Bhatkal. He added that the government has been trying to suppress Hindus, and warned that it will face backlash for its own wrong policies soon.