Don't embarrass PM Modi: VHP to Sangh leaders

Ludhiana, Feb 16: A leader of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Sunday warned pro-Hindu leaders and groups from making comments that could cause "trouble" for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"After a long time, a government has been formed at the Centre which is abreast of Hindu culture and faith... Hindu leaders should make balanced statements," VHP's international president Raghav Reddy said at a meeting near Ludhiana in Punjab.

"Let Modi work...give him some time... he will fulfil the dream of 'Bhartiyata' in the days to come," Mr Reddy said.

He added that the prime minister was "aware of the culture and faith of people in the country."

The VHP, an affiliate of the BJP's ideological mentor Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has also been in the middle of controversies that have left the government facing opposition attacks.

The Modi government has been accused by its critics and political rivals of not reining in leaders within the BJP and the VHP who have promoted religious conversions, described by them as "ghar wapsi or homecoming" of Hindus who had converted to other religions in the past.

PTI