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New Delhi: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on October 17 demanded imposition of President's Rule in Uttar Pradesh in protest against the manner in which its senior leader Ashok Singhal was arrested and "dragged" in Ayodhya and accused the Centre of "conniving" with Mulayam Singh government for "repression" on its cadres.

"Just as National Democratic Alliance (NDA) allies had demanded dismissal of the Tamil Nadu government in the wake of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader Karunanidhi's arrest, the same way they should press for use of Article 356 in Uttar Pradesh," VHP Secretary Surendra Jain told reporters.

He alleged that Singhal was held both by his collar and hand and dragged while being arrested in Ayodhya.

Accusing the Centre of "conniving" with the state government in carrying out repression on VHP activists, he said it could not be spared for the "atrocities" on Hindus.

Jain said VHP has given a call to its state units to hold demonstrations at the district level across the country either on October 18 or day after, as per their convenience, in protest against the "repression".

He clarified that there was no call for Bharat Bandh on October 19. "Singhal had said in Ayodhya that if atrocities continue Bharat Bandh would be observed on October 19. But now there is no need for it," Jain said.

The VHP leader thanked it cadres for their strong determination to make the programme successful and said the presence of 147 companies of central forces and full strength of Uttar Pradesh police failed to deter them.

He said 55,000 Ram Bhakts were arrested while 2.5 lakh others were prevented from proceeding to Ayodhya.

He also said the "Chakka Jam" programme of VHP was very successful as no train or vehicle was allowed to ply between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

PTI