Differences within the Sangh Parivar re-emerged on Tuesday as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad opposed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-backed plans of senior BJP leader L K Advani to accompany Dwarka Shankaracharya Swaroopanand Saraswati, seen as close to the Congress, for a "parikarma" of the Ram Janambhoomi at Ayodhya."He should not go there," VHP leader Ashok Singhal told a news conference here.
His comments came in the wake of the BJP leader's week-end meeting with the Shankaracharya, who announced plans for a "parikarma" (circumambulation) of the disputed site, as the party sought to revive the temple campaign ahead of key UP Assembly elections.
The VHP leader also indicated that the proposed parikarma may face resistance from numerous Hindu religious leaders holding prayers in Ayodhya for the construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site.
"Nobody will support Advani. ...they (religious leaders) are holding anushthan (propitiation) at numerous places. They have pledged to build a Ram temple on their own," Singhal remarked.
Advani's parikarma plans, however, have received support from the RSS, with its leader Suresh Soni saying the Sangh may consider joining him.
But minutes after the VHP voiced its opposition to Advani's plans for a parikarma of the Ram Janambhoomi with a pro-Congress Shankaracharya, the BJP said the proposal has not come up for a discussion in the party.
"The Dwarka Shankaracharya has often been seen with the Congress. He did request Advani to join him in parikarma, but no final decision has been taken yet," party leader Vijay Kumar Malhotra said.
© Copyright 2008 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.
|
Advertisement
Email this Article 
Print this Article