Bengaluru: Members of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal recite ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ in Bengaluru amid controversy over Congress’s promise to ban Bajrang Dal in its manifesto for Karnataka elections. In its Karnataka election manifesto released last week, the Congress said it would take “decisive action” in accordance with the law, including banning organizations such as the Bajrang Dal. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Union minister Shobha Karandlaje along with party leaders and workers recited ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ at Malleshwaram.
Shobha Karandlaje said, “We have requested all Hindus today. We will recite Hanuman Chalisa in every household.” Taking a dig at the grand old party, he said no temple was built in Karnataka during its rule and termed it a political drama. He said, “Congress ruled Karnataka for 60 years. How many temples did they build? We fought for the Ram temple. Their leader Kapil Sibal opposed it…they are not going to do anything in Karnataka. This is just a Political drama.” He said.
The minister’s remarks came in the wake of the Congress manifesto for the May 10 assembly elections in Karnataka, in which the party has clubbed the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) and the Bajrang Dal and said that after voting She will ban organizations. The Congress party is committed to taking firm and decisive action against individuals and organizations who spread hatred against communities on the basis of caste and religion.
“We believe that the law and the Constitution are sacrosanct and cannot be violated by individuals and organizations such as Bajrang Dal, PFI, or others promoting enmity or hatred between majority or minority communities,” it added. Notably, it has sparked an outcry against the party, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said on Tuesday that this “pivotal” decision by the party was an attempt to shut down those who worship Lord Hanuman. Assembly elections will be held in Karnataka on May 10 and the counting of votes will take place on May 13.