Punjab dampener for VHP: Zero turnout at Hindu outfit's 'ghar wapsi' programme in Bathinda

Bathinda, Jan 3: In what could be seen as a major embarrassment to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), a reconversion or 'ghar wapsi' programme organised by the Hindu outfit in Bathinda turned a flop show when no one turned out for the event.

As per reports not a single person approached at Satya Narayan Mandir for converting his/her religion, thus forcing the organisers to postpone the event. The VHP organisers have even held

and a section of Sikh clergy responsible for zero turn out. As per the organisers, the SAD leaders pressurised the families here to not to participate in the reconversion programme.

This incident comes barely two days after RSS sent Rajeshwar Singh, the man responsible for spearheading the ‘ghar wapsi' campaign in Uttar Pradesh, 'on leave'. Reports are also saying that the 55-year-old RSS pracharak has been 'dumped' by the RSS.

"There has been much pressure on me in the past few days. It has spoiled my health. I want to rest at home now," the long-time RSS pracharak was quoted as saying in an ET report.

The conversion issue had derailed last month's winter session of Parliament and has also brought the government under opposition fire. The Dharm Jagran Manch, a Sangh affiliate, has been conducting a ‘ghar wapsi' campaign to "return" Muslims and Christians to the Hindu fold.

Dharam Jagran had converted members of at least 57 Muslim families into Hinduism at a ceremony called 'Purkhon ki ghar vapsi' in Agra in December.

Another ceremony was also planned where nearly 5,000 more Muslims and Christians were to be "brought back into Hindu fold" in Aligarh on December 25, 2014.

Uproar over the Agra ceremony forced cancellation of this ceremony by Rajeshwar Singh in Aligarh.

There were reports that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi was miffed with such activities and statements of RSS, VHP and other hardline Hindu leaders which is maligning the government's image. This in turn is hampering the NDA's motto of good governance.

Reports are also coming that the VHP has also softened its stand on the reconversion issue for the time being and termed it as a long-time goal.

OneIndia News