Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur (SP)

Puttur, Jan 15: Under the leadership of Congress leaders, a pro Hindu outfit, 'Bharatiya Hindu Parishat' was inaugurated here on Wednesday January 14, even as debate in favour of and against creating such an organization rages on within the party. It is said that similar initiatives are being undertaken at various cities and towns by the party, reportedly at the behest of All India Congress Committee vice president, Rahul Gandhi, who has realized that his party has been facing a reversal of fortunes because of losing patronage of Hindus.

The said organization has been created under the leadership of block Congress president, A Hemanath Shetty. During the open debate on the desirability of giving birth to an outfit exclusively to cater to Hindu vote bank, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president, Dr G Parameshwar, and former union minister, B Janardhana Poojary, had stoutly opposed the move, as they feel that it is opposed to the secular principles to which the party is committed. Udupi district in-charge minister, Vinay Kumar Sorake, also clarified when questioned by press persons in Udupi on Wednesday that his party does not need such organizations, as it protects interests of people from all the religions.

Bharatiya Hindu Parishat, which took birth on Wednesday, has clarified however that the doors of the Parishat are closed for communal forces. The Parishat has pledged support to the construction of the temple dedicated to Lord Rama at Ayodhya, and is opposed to religious conversions. It wants to undertake study about why religious conversions take place.

Although Congress leaders are behind this new organization, MLA, Shakuntala Shetty, has not pledged support to it. It is interesting to note that only Congressmen owing allegiance to Hemanath Shetty have been identified with this organization as of now, while the other faction has remained aloof. Although Hemanath Shetty said that the Parishat does not have anything to do with politics, Hindu leaders and workers from other organizations had not taken part in it.

At the inaugural function of the organization, Sri Keshavananda Bharathi Swamiji of Kasargod Yedaneeru Math wished that Bharatiya Hindu Parishat will never get influenced by politics. He insisted that religious principles are not meant for preaching, but to practice. He delivered benedictory address at the function organized at the town hall here on Wednesday.

Sri Esha Vittaladasa Swamiji of Sandeepani Sadhanashram Kemaru said that young Hindu children are lacking preliminary religious education. He said people need to read Bhagawadgita alongside worldly education. Hemanath Shetty, who presided, said that the Parishat has been given birth to for achieving religious harmony and coexistence in the society. He said that pressure will be built on people's representatives to impart religious education in all the schools.

Before the function, Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Yaga was performed for general welfare.