Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Feb 20: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal on Friday February 20 held a bike rally in the ahead of the Virat Hindu Samajotsava to be held at Nehru Maidan on March 1 in commemoration of VHP's golden jubilee.

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel flagged off the rally by handing over the flag to Bajrang Dal leader Sharan Pumpwell.

Addressing the gathering prior to the rally, Kateel said, "Hinudism is a way of life. When Hinduism was under attack, it is that VHP that came to its help. VHP instilled pride by calling upon the people to call themselves as Hindus.

"Hinduism is the only religion which preaches 'sarve janah sukhino bhavantu' (may all people live in peace and be happy). It is the only religion which has not conquered other religions. From the past 50 years, VHP has been working with the ideals of nationalism to unite Hindus against social evils like caste system," he said.

Urging people to take part in the Hindu Samajotsava in large numbers, he said, "Everyone should take part in the Hindu Samajotsava without any fear. The Samajotsava is not a show of strength but a fest. It is being organized in Mangaluru from many years but there have been no instances of clashes."

Sri Rajashekarananda Swamiji of Gurpur Vajradehi Math in his address lashed out at the Popular Front of India (PFI) and said, "Organizations like PFI exist in India with an agenda. Though they are living in this country and eating the food of the nation they shout slogans like 'Pakistan Zindabad' but no legal action is taken and no arrests made. If we say 'Vande Mataram' we are branded as communals. Why is there no ban on PFI?"

He also criticized district incharge minister Ramanath Rai, saying, "The district incharge minister wants only the votes of minorties. He does not want the votes of Hindus. If anyone declares himself as a Hindu, he is criticized."

He further said, "When it is told that religious scriptures like Bhagavad Geeta should be burnt, no politician speaks on it. We cannot tolerate this."

The bike rally began from Hindu Samajotsava office at Bunts Hostel and passed through Mallikatta, Lower Bendor, Balmatta, Hampankatta, State Bank, Central Market, Car Street, Lady Hill, before culminating at Bunts Hostel.