BJP sounds bugle on seers' arrests

Rajeev R Roy/ New Delhi

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Saturday said the nation is set to adopt a new "direction and dimension" after the way the things are taking shape in view of the humiliating treatment being meted out to Kanchi Mutt Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswati and his junior. In the same vein, he accused United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and Tamil Nadu Governments of keeping the public in the dark over the issue of Shankaracharyas' arrest.

"The two governments have doled out only contradictory statements. They left no stone unturned to confuse the masses by fabricating allegations against one who represents the sentiments and faith of millions of the countrymen," Mr Vajpayee said. He was speaking at the inauguration of 8-day long nation-wide agitation to protest against what Mr Vajpayee termed as "the attack on Hindu belief".

"Whatever is happening is not an ordinary development. After Makar Sankranti, the sun has changed its direction. The nation is too destined change its course. The vested interests have posed a challenge to those who believe in religious honesty, veracity and faithfulness. The whole civilised society has been humiliated. It is a challenge to the existence of the society itself. We will not tolerate it. Be prepared for a long-drawn battle," Mr Vajpayee asserted amidst thunderous sloganeering from all quarters of the jam-packed Mavlankar Hall.

Terming the allegations against Shankaracharya as baseless, Mr Vajpayee said: "Character assassination is being done. It was said Shankaracharya was conspiring to flee overnight to Nepal in a helicopter. But the helicopter does not fly at night. Now the Junior Shankaracharya has been trapped in the web of such baseless charges."

"The Government is out to take provocative steps. Why it is being done is agitating. It is not the question of Hindu and Muslim. Everybody has his own method of worship. But how could the Government has different yardsticks for different religions. It is a matter of concern," Mr Vajpayee said.

Asking the Government to act with sense while dealing with such sensitive issues, former Prime Minister said: "When we met Prime Minister, he told us that the law would take its own course. There will be no hurdles in performing pooja in the Mutt. In fact, everything is being done as per a conspiracy to take over the Mutt. We will defy any such moves."

"We have faith in ourselves and in the society we belong to. Struggle has already been kicked off. We will not allow our Shankaracharyas to be in the jail for long. The Government should not adopt the policy of revenge. It will not be acceptable to us. We are ready for the fight to preserve our social, religious and moral ethos," Mr Vajpayee said, giving a new dimension to the nation-wide anguish over the treatment being meted out to Kanchi Mutt Shankaracharya.

Lambasting the UPA Government, former Union HRD Minister Dr Murli Manohar Joshi said: "Shankaracharyas have fallen prey to the dirty conspiracy hatched by the State Government. The Central Government is maintaining the studied silence. The message is loud and clear."

Deputy leader of BJP in Parliament Dr Vijay Kumar Malhotra, former Delhi Chief Minister Madan Lal Khurana and Delhi BJP chief Dr Harsh Vardhan also spoke on the occasion.