JD-U accuses BJP of securing vote bank through VHP's yatra

Janata Dal-United (JD-U) leader K.C Tyagi on Sunday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for using groups like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and other wings to secure votes by giving support to the 'Chaurasi Kosi Parikrama', which has been banned by the Uttar Pradesh government.

"This is purely a political yatra, this is a yatra for votes. The whole event is happening when election are around the corner. When JD-U was with NDA, BJP leaders could never reach a conclusion regarding the construction of the Ram Temple, now that elections are here all this is happening. I believe, through Amit Shah (BJP's UP incharge )they want to escalate the communal tension and secure their prime ministerial post and this is the only objective of the 'Chaurasi Kosi Parikrama'," he said.

Meanwhile, another JD-U leader Sabir Ali said that VHP is like BJP's baby which they use only at the time of elections.

"This is the time of election. The BJP is using this wing and uses it at the time of elections. I feel there should not be any restriction on any religious things but if a conspiracy is created to escalate problems then I don't think it is acceptable. VHP and other wings are like a baby to the BJP and I feel is a huge conspiracy. They can go to any extent for power and politics and that ha become clear now," he said.

Earlier in the day, VHP President Ashok Singhal and senior leader Praveen Togadia were detained by the police, along with 500 activists across Uttar Pradesh.

Togadia was arrested when he defied prohibitory orders in Ayodhya and attempted to conduct prayers on the banks of the Saryu river, after the Uttar Pradesh government had banned the yatra, while Singhal was detained at the Lucknow airport.

Reports state that a curfew-like situation is prevailing in the town as shops have been shut and Naya Ghat area has been cordoned off.

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court on Saturday dismissed a plea for allowing 84-Kosi parikrama yatra, stating that there is a possibility of tension, and added that the restriction will be maintained.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad has vowed to kick off its 'Chaurasi Kosi Parikrama' around Ayodhya to revive its demand for a Ram temple.

The Samajwadi Party Government has banned the proposed Yatra, as a preemptive measure against communal flare-up, and put in place elaborate security arrangements by rushing in 10 companies of the Rapid Action Force (RSF) and 12 companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC).