The Hindu : VHP plans to woo Dalits

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Feb 23, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

VHP plans to woo Dalits

By Our Special Correspondent

MADURAI, FEB. 22. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad plans to woo the Dalits.

Addressing a `right to live conference' organised by the Ambedkar People's Movement (APM) here, the all-India general secretary, Praveen Togadia, said the VHP would be part of a movement, which fought for the self-respect of the Dalits within the Hindu fold.

He criticised attempts to hurt the feelings of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes, who preferred to follow the faith of their ancestors. The discriminatory practices had no religious sanction, Mr. Togadia said.

Mr.Togadia, who garlanded a statue of B.R.Ambedkar shortly before participating in the conference, said the VHP would work with the Dalit organisations to realise the unfulfilled dreams of the Architect of the Indian Constitution.

He was presented with a sword and a statue of Buddha by the meet organisers. The conference was presided over by the APM president, V.Balasundaram.

`Hold talks with

Sri Lanka'

The VHP has urged the Government to hold discussion with the Sri Lankan Government on the plight of fishermen in the State.

A resolution to this effect was passed at a district-level Hindu awakening conference held at Rameswaram today. It demanded the Government to expedite the Sethusamudaram project and Madurai-Rameswaram gauge conversion work.

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