Gujarat Election Commission has put curbs on the speeches of VHP leaders and limited their proposed Shaurya Divas rally to mark the 10th anniversary of Babri Masjid demolition on Friday, at two places in the city under strict surveillance.
The steps have been taken under directives of the EC to keep the programme of the VHP at low-key to avoid any confrontation which may disturb the peace and law and order situation in the communally sensitive state, additional commissioner of police Satish Sharma told on Thursday.
VHP has been given permission to hold religious congregation at two places - Bapunagar and Satellite areas - with restriction that no derogatory speeches against any government official, Election Commission, contesting candidates be made by speakers so as to incite communal passion, Sharma said.
Earlier, VHP had planned a public meeting at Akash Ganga road near Sola to be presided by its international president Ashok Singhal. However, city police refused permission for it and only allowed for a low-key religious function.
VHP international general secretary Pravin Togadia, unhappy over the decision said, "I have been addressing public meetings at various places in the state and nothing has happened. I find no reason how a public meeting in the city can effect the peace of the state.
{{/usCountry}}VHP international general secretary Pravin Togadia, unhappy over the decision said, "I have been addressing public meetings at various places in the state and nothing has happened. I find no reason how a public meeting in the city can effect the peace of the state.
{{/usCountry}}Meanwhile, the VHP would hold rallies and demonstrations throughout the state on Friday to protest the murderous attack on Dr Jaideep Patel, state unit general secretary of the parishad on December 3.