Ahmedabad: Gujarat Election Commission has put curbs on the speeches of VHP (Vishwa
Hindu Parishad) leaders and limited their proposed 'shauryadivas' rally to mark the
10th anniversary of Babri Masjid demolition on December 6, at two places in the city
under strict surveillance.
The steps have been taken under directives of the Election Commission of India (EC)
to keep the programme of the VHP at low-key to avoid any confrontation, which may
disturb peace as well as law and order situation in the communally sensitive state,
additional commissioner of police Satish Sharma said on December 5.
VHP has been given permission to hold religious congregation at two places Bapunagar
and Satellite areas with restriction that no derogatory speeches against any
government official, Election Commission, contesting candidates be made by speakers
so as to incite communal passion, Sharma said.
Earlier, VHP had planned a public meeting at Akash Ganga road near Sola to be
presided by its international president Ashok Singhal. However, city police refused
permission for it and only allowed for a low-key religious function. VHP
international general secretary Pravin Togadia, unhappy over the decision said, "I
have been addressing public meetings at various places in the state and nothing has
happened. I find no reason how a public meeting in the city can effect the peace of
the state.
"However, the day will be 'celebrated' throughout the country in a peaceful manner
and Singal would address the gathering tomorrow," Togadia added.
Meanwhile, the VHP would hold rallies and demonstrations throughout the state on
December 5 to protest the murderous attack on Dr Jaideep Patel, state unit general
secretary of the parishad on December 3.
PTI
