Bhopal: The VHP (Vishwa Hindu Parishad) on October 8 said it would support Congress in future if its president Sonia Gandhi pilots a private member Bill in Parliament for a country-wide ban on cow slaughter.

"VHP as also the Hindu community will rally behind Congress if Sonia Gandhi brings a Bill in her individual capacity for banning cow slaughter in the country. She should take this initiative to win the support of Hindus," VHP leader Acharya Dharmendra told reporters in Bhopal.

"Though VHP had planned not to work for any party in Assembly polls in four states, it would support those serving the Hindu cause," he said.

Acharya Dharmendra said Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Digvijay Singh has been advocating cow preservation but "It will be better if Sonia brings this Bill".

The VHP leader also asked all political parties to strive for quick framing of a Uniform Civil Code, particularly in the light of the Supreme Court ruling on the matter.

"The so-called secular and intellectual elements now must ensure a common civil code. It will end violation of Muslim women's rights," he said.

Asserting that the proposed march to Ayodhya on October 17 is aimed at demonstrating the 'national wish and desire', he said, "Similar rallies would be held in Delhi and Lucknow on October 15 and 16 to remind all, including Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, about the need to build the temple," Acharya Dharmendra said.

PTI