Akhilesh government bans Vishwa Hindu Parishad's 'Sankalp Diwas' in Ayodhya

Lucknow: After clamping down on its '84-Kosi Yatra' on the Ayodhya issue, the Uttar Pradesh government today banned the Vishwa Hindu Parishad or VHP's proposed 'Sankalp Diwas' stir on October 18 to press for a parliamentary legislation on building Ram Temple.

The decision was taken in view of security concerns, especially after the recent communal violence in Muzaffarnagar and surrounding areas, officials said.

IG (Law and Order) RK Vishkarma said elaborate security arrangements are being made to effectively implement the ban.

"As many as five Additional Superintendent of Police, 10 Deputy Superintendent of Police, 50 inspectors, 50 Sub Inspectors, 10 women Sub Inspectors, 300 constables, besides five companies of PAC and anti-sabotage teams are being deployed to ensure that the orders are implemented," he said.

Less than two months ago, the state authorities had cracked down on VHP, arresting its top leaders Pravin Togadia and Ashok Singhal along with around 1,700 people to foil the defiant saffron outfit's controversial '84-Kosi Yatra' covering six districts, including Faizabad.

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Officials said the decision to ban 'Sankalp Diwas' was taken especially in view of the recommendations of Faizabad district administration.

Terming the decision as unfortunate, the VHP alleged that the Samajwadi Party-led government had taken the decision to appease a particular community, and vowed to continue with the programme as scheduled.

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The BJP alleged the state government has made the move for vote bank politics. "UP Government's ban is wrong and ridiculous. We appeal to withdraw this order. Government work is to watch out that spiritual work must be done peacefully... The government is banning it for their narrow vote bank politics," said BJP's Prakash Javadekar.

The Congress too said the Samajwadi Party is trying to send the message to a particular community. "First, they are called in and then they impose ban on them... SP government is trying to send the message to a particular community. It is very dangerous for UP," said the Congress's Raj Babbar.