VHP's yatra a 'political drama', nothing to do with religion: Rashid Alvi

Congress leader Rashid Alvi on Sunday said that Vishwa Hindu Parishad's (VHP) yatra is purely a political drama and has nothing to do with religion and added that the Hindus and the Muslims in this country are not at all interested in these activities.

"It is very clear that this is a political drama and has nothing to do with religion and it is just a way to disrupt the peaceful environment. Whenever elections are near, BJP, VHP come up with these things. They will suddenly remember Lord Ram and Ayodhya, but they should realize the people of India all aware of all these things," he said.

"They are not interested in the yatra but they interested only in the 2014 general elections," he added.

He further said that the Uttar Pradesh Government can let them continue with the yatra and it will prove that Hindus and Muslims are not interested in these poll tactics.

"In fact I would say the Uttar Pradesh government should let them continue with their yatra and then they will understand the neither the Hindus nor the Muslims are interested in the yatra. As far the Muslims are concerned, they have nothing to do with this yatra and so those people who want to give it a communal touch, will never be able to accomplish that," 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 had 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).