VHP slams Delhi archbishop, calls his letter attack by Church

Hitting out at the Archbishop of Delhi over his letter cautioning against threat from "turbulent political atmosphere" in the country, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad today termed it as a "direct attack by the Church on India's secularism".

VHP's international working president Alok Kumar also alleged that it was a direct intervention of the Vatican, the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, and an attempt to divide India on the basis of religion.

"This is a direct attack by the Church on India's secularism and democracy... This is a direct intervention by the Vatican as these Bishops are appointed by the Pope. Their accountability is not to India, but to the Pope," Kumar said.

 

He was speaking to reporters during his maiden visit to the city after being elected to the post last month.

The Archbishop of Delhi, Anil Couto, has written a letter to all parish priests and religious institutions in the Delhi archdiocese, in which he said a "turbulent political atmosphere" in the country posed a threat to India's constitutional principles and secular fabric.

In the letter written few days before the May 12 Karnataka elections, he has appealed to followers of his faith for a "prayer campaign".

Reacting to the letter, the VHP leader asked, "What would happen to the secular fabric and the unity of the country if Muslim, Hindu and leaders representing other religions start writing such letters?"

On the Ram temple issue, Kumar expressed hope that the Supreme Court will give a "favourable judgement".

"The SC is treating it as a land dispute. I am confident that the Supreme Court will give a positive decision in favour of a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya. But if the court gives an adverse ruling, then the VHP leaders would meet and decide the future course of action," he said.

"We have merit in our case and we hope to win. But assuming that there is an adverse order, people of this country will ask the government to legislate," Kumar said adding that the verdict is likely to be pronounced in July as arguments from both the sides are over.

Kumar also said that the Supreme Court's judgment on SC/ST Act caused discontent among the members of Scheduled Castes.

"I believe this Act should not be diluted. I am satisfied that the government has opted for a review," he said.

On the upcoming movie titled "Loveratri" to be made under the banner of Salman Khan Films, he said, "The film is set against the backdrop of Navratri, a Hindu festival, and the name distorts its meaning...We will not allow its exhibition in the cinema halls in the country. We don't want the sentiments of Hindus to be hurt."

He said, "We have been working on several issues since 1964 (the VHP was formed), such as social harmony, establishing family values, Ram temple...they all continue to be relevant."

"Priorities might have changed. Right now, our priority is to work towards social harmony. We are pained how the situation is being exploited by certain groups," he added.

"VHP is a separate body, not affiliated to the BJP or any other political party. But we are wedded to the idea of welfare for all communities irrespective of their caste and creed," he said.

Kumar, who took over from Pravin Togadia, also said the exit of his predecessor will not affect the organisation.