VHP appeals against division of Hindu votes in UP

New Delhi, Apr 12 (UNI) The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) today appealed to candidates in the fray for Uttar Pradesh Assembly to prevent any division of Hindu votes in the northern state.

The saffron outfit said all the candidates for Hindu votes must contest unitedly and withdraw in favour of a unanimous choice to prevent division of the Hindu votes.

The appeal was issued by VHP president Ashok Singhal.

Mr Singhal said candidates in the fray should introspect and review their decision to contest in the interest of Hindutva.

The VHP president had played a key role in bringing a reconciliation between the BJP and its rebel Gorakhpur MP Yogi Adityanath. The appeal is also aimed at all such party rebels who may mar the chances of original candidate.

Asked if he would also make efforts to bring back former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Uma Bharti back into the BJP fold, Mr Singhal said his appeal for withdrawal of candidates was aimed at Ms Bharti also.

She should ponder over the issue and if she does not than all her claims and loyalty towards Hindutva would turn out hollow. He, however, said he would intervene with BJP President Rajnath Singh and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to pave the way for the return of Ms Bharti ''at the appropriate time''.

Mr Singhal said it was ''absolutely necessary'' that the division of Hindu votes in Uttar Pradesh is prevented under all circumstances. ''Hindu politics would be effective in UP only when all obstacles in the construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya will be removed,'' he added.

UNI