Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Feb 12: Although Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal have announced that Vishwa Hindu Parishad international president, Pravin Togadia, will address the Hindu Samajotsava being held at the MGM College grounds here on March 9, there is no word from the police or any other government department about this programme so far.

Considering that the police commissioner had barred entry of Togadia into Bengaluru during the Hindu Samajotsava held there, people expect some action here too. No one has so far come out with what is in the minds of the police or political bosses of the state so far.

It is not known whether the concerned would announce a decision at the last minute to stymie chances of the other party to approach the court and get some relief. Togadia had addressed meetings twice in the town, and no law order problems had arisen then. However, if the government does not take the action similar to the one at Bengaluru, the dais of Samajotsava might be used to criticize the government for banning Togadia's entry into Bengaluru.

If any restrictions are to be placed, it will come from the police department. This action will surely be politically motivated. The concerned may also consider the fact, before taking a final decision, that the electorate here is quite different from the metropolitan voters of Bengaluru, and any wrong step might affect chances in the future elections.

So far no one has either welcomed or criticized the decision of the concerned to invite Togadia to speak at the Samajotsava. The organizers of this programme may be waiting for the first salvo to be fired from their detractors. The developments would be interesting to watch in the coming weeks.