New Delhi: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on April 2 virtually admitted its hand in the communal violence in Gujarat in 2002 and also the 1992 demolition of the disputed structure at Ayodhya.

"It was we who demolished the Babri mosque. It was we who came on to roads in Gujarat. But during this 'satyagraha', not a stone was thrown and the event remained peaceful, although there was such a huge gathering of activists," VHP general secretary Praveen Togadia said at a press conference.

The admission came as he was narrating how the organisation had, despite gathering of over 1.75 lakh activists, managed a "peaceful" week-long 'satyagraha', which concluded in Delhi on April 2.

"We have shown that we can fight as well as be peaceful. We have demonstrated that we can manage huge gatherings peacefully," he added.

He said other Hindu organisations, including Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), had actively participated in VHP's 'satyagraha'. At least 12 MPs from Gujarat, Kashi, Mathura and Ayodhya also took part in the agitation.

He claimed that the participation in the 'satyagraha' indicated "total saffronisation in nine states – Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Orissa, Delhi and Andhra Pradesh."

The maximum number of over 37,000 people participated from UP followed by 21,000 from Gujarat and 17,000 from Maharashtra, he said.

PTI