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New Delhi: In the midst of mounting tension ahead of Vishwa Hindu Parishad's (VHP) Ayodhya programme on October 17, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani on October 15 joined Sangh Parivar outfits Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and VHP in asking the Uttar Pradesh government not to adopt confrontationist attitude, but Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav warned that any attempt to violate the court's order would trigger anarchy and turmoil across the country.

While continuing its mediatory role between VHP and the Centre, the RSS also attacked the Yadav government for being "pro-active and confrontationist" in attitude.

VHP, on the other hand, changed tact and piped down its attack on Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

However, VHP refused to give a written commitment to the Centre that the entire programme would be peaceful.

As reports came of the crackdown on the VHP leadership in the state, Advani spoke to Yadav over telephone in Bhopal and counselled restraint.

The Deputy Prime Minister cited assurances given by RSS chief K S Sudarshan and VHP leaders that their programme would remain peaceful. Keeping these assurances in mind, the Centre also decided not to stop trains from going to Ayodhya or Faizabad and nearby places.

Advani hoped the whole programme would pass off peacefully and wondered why the VHP should not be allowed in view of the promises made by it.

PTI