'Ram Sethu' issue would not be politicised: Togadia

Bhopal, Oct 9 (UNI) Senior VHP leader Praveen Togadia today said he would not allow politicisation of the 'Ram Sethu' issue at any cost and the movement would be spearheaded by saints.

Speaking about whether the 'Ram Sethu' issue would acquire political overtones in future, Dr Togadia told reporters here that the issue would be kept away from party politics.

He warned the Centre that a backlash could not be ruled out if the movement over the issue continued. However, such a situation could be avoided if the Centre tendered apology for its remarks questioning existence of Lord Rama.

Dr Togadia said the VHP had started enrolling 'dharam yoddhas' as a part of a campaign to protect the 'Ram Sethu'. Several hundreds of 'dharam yodhhas' would be enrolled under the campaign.

These 'dharam yodhhas' -- who would chant 'Hanuman Chaleesa' -- would spread awareness about the 'Ram Sethu' issue and march to Ayodhya, where a future strategy for the campaign would be chalked out by saints during a meeting on November 30.

On whether the 'Ram Sethu' issue could become violent as the 'Ram temple' issue, he pointed out that no violence occurred during nationwide 'chakkajam' staged by the VHP recently, when 475 national highways were blocked and more than 200 trains held. This happened because the campaign was led by saints.

Earlier, Mr Togadia, who was here to attend a three-day conference of saints, while addressing a public meeting, said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was bent upon demolishing the 'Ram Sethu'.

He further said the step would render about 20 lakh fishermen unemployed, while largest thorium reserve of world would be destroyed.

UNI