BJP in K'taka supports VHP bandh call

Bangalore, Jul 2 (UNI) The Karnataka unit of BJP has declared its support to tomorrow's nation-wide bandh call by Vishwa Hindu Parishad(VHP) in protest against withdrawal of land alloted to Shri Amaranath Yatra Board by the Jammu and Kashmir Government.

Talking to newspersons here today, Senior BJP leader C T Ravi, who is also an MLA, strongly condemned the J &K government's decision to withdraw the land meant to provide facility to pilirims visiting Amarnath.

The Congress government there was indulging in vote bank politics and to safeguard its power, it had withdrawn the allotment of land bowing to pressure from Muslim leaders, he alleged.

Replying to a question whether BJP government in Karnataka would extend support to the VHP bandh call, Mr Ravi, who is also Parliamentary Secretary to the Chief Minister said, ''We have not sought the state government's support and Ministers may or may not participate in the bandh.'' VHP Bangalore Unit President T Vijayakumar Reddy, addressing a separate press conference, said essential services were exempted from bandh, but schools and colleges have been asked to declare holiday.

''The bandh will be peaceful and VHP will hold demonstrations throughout the city during the bandh period from 0600 hrs to 1800 hrs,'' he added.

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