VHP to approach Calcutta HC over Togadia ban

The VHP said on Thursday it will approach the Calcutta High Court against the Mamata Banerjee government issuing prohibitory orders to ban the entry of VHP leader Praveen Togadia into West Bengal.

The prohibitory orders were issued on Wednesday against the Vishva Hindu Parishad's international working president arguing that his presence could lead to "communal tension" and "disturb public tranquility".

"Beside the prohibitory order, the administration has also cancelled the permission for our April 5 rally at Raiganj in North Dinajpur district which Togadia was to address. We are in the process of approaching the Calcutta High Court today (Thursday) against both," VHP general secretary organisation (East) Sachindra Nath Sinha told IANS here.

"The prohibitory order is arbitrary and against the law. We are moving to the court today (Thursday) challenging the legality," added Sinha.

Earlier in January, a First Information Report was filed against Togadia for hurting religious sentiments following the alleged conversion of over 100 tribals in Kharmadanga village in Birbhum district.

The state's ruling Trinamool Congress has alleged that the VHP conducted a 'ghar wapsi' ceremony during which nearly 150 Christians were 'forcibly' converted. The VHP, however, denied the charges claiming it was only a religious ceremony.

Known for his controversial speeches, Togadia has called the prohibitory order a "blunder" and "funny".

"Would Mamata didi arrest Namazis on streets, church goers for Good Friday mass prayers, or people taking out a procession on Hanuman Jayanti? Why ban the entry of one man for 2000 people's rally when the Supreme Court scraps (section) 66A for Internet that reaches crores of people?, he asked.

"Wonder who really got Mamata didi to issue such a funny ban," said Togadia.