Undeterred by the unseasonal rains, Sangh Parivar activists held a 'Sradhanjali' rally in Bhubaneswar on Saturday demanding immediate arrest of the conspirators and culprits behind the killing of VHP leader Swami Laxmananada and threatened to observe a state-wide bandh on Christmas day if the government failed.
Several saffron leaders in their address at the rally, held amidst tight security, also hit out at the Naveen Patnaik government accusing it of adopting the policy to appease the minority and working under pressure from both church and the UPA government at the Centre in dealing with the Kandhamal violence.
Referring to allegations that Christmas last year was dampened by violence by saffron outfits, they said, "Let there be a state-wide bandh this time on December 25 to ensure a completely peaceful Christmas."
The rally, attended by seers and saffron activists from across the state and outside, was held with the permission of the BJD-BJP government despite the Centre's warning against such gathering.
Elaborate security arrangements were made by the state government and 40 platoons of police (about 1200 personnel) were deployed to prevent any untoward incident.
The union home ministry had cautioned the state government through a letter that the rally if allowed may create law and order problem and affect restoration of peace in Kandhamal.
{{/usCountry}}The union home ministry had cautioned the state government through a letter that the rally if allowed may create law and order problem and affect restoration of peace in Kandhamal.
{{/usCountry}}The state government had banned a rally by the Sangh Parivar on September 6 fearing possible breach of peace but apparently succumbed this time to its partner - the BJP.