VHP takes on Akhilesh Govt., plans to go ahead with 'Sankalp Diwas' programme

Undeterred by the ban imposed by the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party (SP) Government in Uttar Pradesh, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Friday said that it will go ahead with its proposed 'Sankalp Diwas' to take a resolve for launching an agitation for rebuilding the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

VHP spokesperson Prakash Sharma lashed out at the state government for thwarting the 'Sankalp Diwas' yatra.

"The programme will be held as scheduled. The government has several times earlier also tried to dominate its power. If it wants to do the same at this time, it can. The government should be asked as to why they have stopped this," he said.

Sharma further said the VHP has never encouraged any kind of communal feud.

"Is there no right for Hindus to hold their cultural rallies?" he asked.

Heavy security arrangements are in place in the temple city. The Uttar Pradesh Police has arrested around 500 saffron activists on the eve of the rally. Many of them were arrested while they were heading to Ayodhya to participate in the rally.

The Samajwadi Party Government has banned VHP's 'Sankalp Diwas' fearing a communal flare-up.

The decision was reportedly taken in view of security concerns, especially after the recent communal clashes in Muzaffarnagar and the surrounding areas.