New Delhi: Accusing Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa of trying to tamper evidence in the Kanchi Shankaracharya case by giving "reward" to the family of a murdered aide, VHP (Vishwa Hindu Parishad) today (Nov 23, 2004) said it would intensify its nation-wide agitation if the Seer is not released within a week.

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VHP General Secretary Praveen Togadia also demanded that the case be shifted from Tamil Nadu to Gujarat and questioned Congress President Sonia Gandhi's silence on the issue.

"Even in cases of police firing, the maximum compensation given by the Government is Rs two lakh. Then why did Jayalalithaa announce Rs five lakh for the family of Sankaraman? Was this a reward for giving evidence against the Shankaracharya?" Togadia asked.

Claiming that the pontiff would not get justice in Tamil Nadu and demanded that the case be shifted to Gujarat as "Hindus had faith on the Government of that State."

Togadia "gave" a week's time to the TN Government to release the Seer. "A country-wide programme involving students and farmers will be launched if this is not done. Religious leaders will announce the course of action within three days."

Lashing out at Congress President Sonia Gandhi for her silence on the issue, Togadia told reporters, "She says she cannot comment as the matter is sub-judice. But did she not speak on the Bilkis Banu case?"

Asked why VHP and BJP were organising separate protests on the issue, he said, "We are not a political party and so their programme is different from ours. But we believe all have to fight for the Shankaracharya's release."

Togadia also asked Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Rajshekhar Reddy to clarify with which Central leader he had reportedly talked to before the arrest.