VHP’s war-cry: ‘Secular India’s days numbered’

Taking a dig at the Congress’ ‘‘appeasement’’ policies, VHP international general secretary Pravin Togadia today ap...

Taking a dig at the Congress’ ‘‘appeasement’’ policies, VHP international general secretary Pravin Togadia today appealed to the masses to pull down those governments that do not recognise the interests of the Hindus.

Addressing the dharma sabha in Pune this evening, Togadia said: ‘‘Those who want to rule India will have to accept the concept of Hindu Rashtra, a saffron flag and Vande Mataram.’’

‘‘The temple would be constructed in Ayodhya at any cost,’’ he declared, saying the post-Gujarat mood is beginning to change the history of the country. ‘‘We don’t wish to recreate Gujarat in Maharashtra, but wish to reinstate Chhatrapati Shivaji’s rule at the Red Fort,’’ he said.

Story continues below this ad

The VHP leader, who has been called the ‘‘architect of Hindutva victory in Gujarat’’, lambasted Congress president Sonia Gandhi for saying that ‘‘terrorism has no religion’’. ‘‘I just wish to ask Soniaben (sister) one thing. If terrorism has no religion, why is it that only Hindus and their temples are targeted by terrorists.’’

Saying terrorists, with support from across the border, have been waging a war against Hinduism, Togadia criticised Congressmen who, he said, conveniently stayed silent after Godhra. ‘‘Were they looking for a permit to speak from Italy?’’ he asked.

Togadia drew parallels between Lankadahan, the burning of Lanka by Lord Hanuman in the Ramayana and the post-Godhra riots.

VHP international working president, Ashok Singhal, who also attended the meet said Muslims should no longer stake their claim on Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura.

Story continues below this ad

Singhal said the Dharma Samsad scheduled in Delhi between February 22-25 could take “harsher steps”. He said that the days of secularism are numbered in the country”.