While insisting the yatre is not a response to the Kundapura scam, the VHP said Karnataka's Congress govt was targeting Hindu activists.
Sharan Pumpwell at a press conference in Mangaluru on Thursday. (Supplied)
Pummelled by the cash-for-MLA ticket episode involving Hindutva hardliner Chaitra Kundapura, the right wing Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) plans an image-makeover exercise in coastal Karnataka.
It will take the shape of a ratha yatre between 25 September and mid-October.
VHP regional joint secretary Sharan Pumpwell told South First: “The Shaurya Jagrana Ratha Yatre will start from Chitradurga and traverse through Davangere, Shivamogga, Sringeri, Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, Tumkur, Doddaballapura, Chikkaballapura, Kolar, Bengaluru, Ramangara, Mandya, Mysuru, Kodagu, Sullia, Puttur, Mangaluru and culminate in Udupi on 10 October.
He said that the northern and southern units of the Bajrang Dal, another right wing outfit, will complement the exercise by mobilising youth from Hubballi, Belagavi and other districts in a phased manner.
During this period, he said, the Bajrang Dal proposes expanding its base from its “present strength of 2,000 to 5,000 units”.
The VHP, however, insists that the entire exercise is not a response to the Kundapura incident, but is part of a larger plan to expand its base in Karnataka in time to celebrate its 60th anniversary next August.
Pumpwell categorically denied the yatre was an image-makeover exercise or related to the recent controversy involving Chaitra Kundapura, who allegedly conned industrialist Govinda Babu Poojary of ₹5 crore by promising him a BJP MLA ticket for the May Assembly election in Karnataka.
He said there was no connection between VHP and Kundapura, other than inviting her as one of the speakers at VHP programmes only because she was “educated, a good orator and had a good knowledge of Hinduism”.
“We are not supporting Chaitra Kundapura. Neither VHP nor Bajrang Dal will support such cheating incidents. The CCB (Central Crime Branch) is investigating the case; if proven guilty, she and the others will get punishment. Why is there so much hue and cry that she is a Hindu activist, a fiery speaker, etc,” he asked.
“Any normal person also could commit such a crime, and will be punished if proven guilty. However, we feel somewhere in a corner of our hearts that Hindu activists are being targeted by the newly-elected Congress government in Karnataka.” Pumpwell explained.
In Pumpwell’s words, the yatre’s aim is to “educate and spread awareness among Indian youths about its 2,500 years of history of constant attacks by invaders and sacrifices made for our freedom”.
He added: “The yatre will also include outreach programmes for the youth involving patriotism, to stay away from drugs, and also to dump casteism which separates the Hindus. Besides this, the youths will also be educated about the importance of Sanathana Dharma, the Hindu culture, heritage and traditions that we follow.”
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