Togadia to launch new outfit on June 24

Former Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Pravin Togadia today said he would launch a new "religious cum social" outfit in Delhi on June 24 and announced support to the ongoing farmers' protest.

The Hindutva leader had quit as international working president of the VHP in April this year after his nominee Raghav Reddy lost a key organisational poll for the post of VHP president to former Himachal Pradesh governor V S Kokje.

Speaking to reporters on his future plans, Togadia said he would launch a Hindu movement.

"We are starting a new movement, a Hindu movement, from Delhi on June 24. On that day, we will announce the name and agenda of this new organisation. Our representatives from all over the country will remain present in that convention to be held in an indoor stadium," Togadia said.

He said they have already built the foundation of the new organisation in all the states except two.

However, he refused to divulge further details.

"Even block level office-bearers are also appointed. This outfit will be a religious and social one. It will not be a political outfit. But, you need to wait for June 24 for a clear picture," the Hindutva leader said.

He also announced his support to the ongoing farmers' stir for better remunerative prices for agri produce and waiver of farm loans.

Togadia said he would join the farmers' protest in Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh on June 8.

Mandsaur was the epicentre of farmers agitation last year in which six persons were killed in police firing on June 6.

"I have decided to lead the farmers' agitation, and I will start this from Mandsaur on June 8. I have accepted the invitation given to me by agitators. I extend my full support to this stir and lakhs of our workers will join this movement," he said.

Togadia said the "cause of Hindutva" was linked with the protest "because most of the farmers in the country are Hindus".

He also attacked Narendra Modi government over its "failure" to implement electoral promises of 2014.

"In 2014, Narendra Modi had promised that he would implement recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission for the welfare of farmers. We had very high hopes from this government. However, nothing concrete was done for farmers. This government has breached farmers' trust by not implementing those recommendations," Togadia alleged.