Congress leader launches Bharatiya Hindu Parishad despite opposition

Mangaluru, Jan 15: Despite severe opposition from Congress leaders, including KPCC president G Parameshwara, Puttur block Congress chief Hemanth Shetty on Wednesday launched the Bharatiya Hindu Parishad (BHP) at NH Kille Maidan, Puttur, about 50km from here on the auspicious Makara Sankramana.

It was launched at 10.30am with the blessings of Keshavananda Bharathi, seer of Yedaneeru, and Esha Vittaldasa, seer of Kemaru. Earlier, Vishnusahasranama yaga was performed.

œWe have formed an organizing committee of 108 members and all this happened in a fortnight. As there's good response, we'll start in all taluks of the district. Later, we'll think about starting it in all taluks of the state, ' he said.

Regarding the threat of expulsion, Shetty asked: "Why will they expel me? What wrong have I done? This has no connection to the party, hence I don't need permission. I firmly believe the party won't interfere."

He said this is not to counter the VHP but to show the Congress is all-inclusive. He added he's floating the outfit in his personal capacity, not as an arm of the Congress.

"There's absolutely no direct connection to the Congress,'' he said. "I've seen many Congressmen who have gone to the Hindu Samajotsava organised by the VHP. Have they been ousted from the party? We've lost many Hindu party workers for wearing a saffron shawl. Is it a crime? Why should they be labelled as BJP when they went to the Samajotsava as Hindus. Saffron should not be taken as a symbol of VHP or BJP. It's a universal symbol of the Hindus," said Shetty.

Parameshwara had said if the BHP is launched, the Dakshina Kannada district unit will be asked to take disciplinary action against Shetty. "The Congress is an inclusive party. There's no question of the party being against any faith. Deviating from this will invite action," he had said.