BJP accuses UP govt of engaging in votebank politics

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday accused the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party (SP) Government in Uttar Pradesh of engaging in what it called the worst kind of votebank politics by banning the Vishwa Hindu Parishad's proposed 'Sankalp Diwas' on October 18.

BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said there is right to dissent and protest peacefully in a democracy.

"And, the VHP's Foundation Day, which they observe as 'Sankalp (Diwas)', the rededication, pledge they take on this day. And that's a peaceful programme and, therefore, it should not have been banned," said Javadekar.

"But the Akhilesh Government which has lost all credibility with the voters is now trying to ban such peaceful programmes and do worst kind of vote-bank politics," he added.

The Samajwadi Party Government has banned VHP's 'Sankalp Diwas' fearing a communal flare-up.

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

The VHP has given a call to observe 'Sankalp Diwas' in Ram Sewak Puram in Ayodhya to take a resolve for launching an agitation for rebuilding the Ram Temple.