BJP backs VHP's yatra

BJP today backed VHP's proposed yatra from Ayodhya tomorrow, which has been banned by Uttar Pradesh Government, and said tension in the state has been caused by statements that were being made about it and not the yatra itself.

"There is no tension due to yatra but due to all kinds of statements being made. If people avoid making comments, yatra will be finished peacefully," party leader Sushma Swaraj said.

The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha dismissed criticism from Congress and Samajwadi Party that the VHP's decision is a political exercise to benefit BJP ahead of elections as the annual yatra had already taken place.

She said 84-kosi parikrama yatras are allowed round the year in Hinduism.

"There is a tradition among Jains that they stop their yatra at some time but not in Hinduism. Hindu saints keep up their yatra all the time," she said.

UP government has banned the yatra slated to start tomorrow apprehending communal flare-up and arrested a number of VHP activists.