As BJP returns with massive mandate, VHP to again push gau raksha & Ram temple agenda

A 2-day conclave of VHP will begin from 19 June in Haridwar, during which saints from across the country will deliberate on various issues, including Article 370.

A wall of bricks bearing 'Shri Ram' chants seen at the Ram Janmabhomi Nyas-run workshop at Karsevakpuram in Ayodhya | PTI Photo

New Delhi: With the BJP back in power at the centre with a much bigger mandate this time, Sangh affiliate Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) is all set to push for its agenda of gau raksha (cow protection) and construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.

VHP’s core team members will attend a two-day conclave to be held in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, from 19 June where saints from across the country will deliberate on several issues, including cow protection, construction of Ram temple, the contentious Article 370 that grants a special status of autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, challenges faced by the Hindu community and Sabarimala, sources said.

The VHP has invariably been at the forefront with its demand for the construction of the Ram temple. It has also been a major poll issue for the BJP and was part of its manifesto in this Lok Sabha election.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath even unveiled a seven-feet-tall rosewood statue of Lord Ram in Ayodhya Friday.

The June agenda

Speaking about the conclave, a VHP officer-bearer said: “Our Kendriya Margdarshak Mandal meeting will take place in June where saints from across India will participate and deliberate on the current situation and the challenges facing the Hindu samaj. It will be a detailed discussion and the suggestions will be noted down and then be given the shape of a proposal. It will be a free-wheeling discussion.”

During the meetings, it will also be discussed whether the proposal needs to be forwarded to the government or not.

“The saints will decide how they want to take it forward. In the last meeting held in 2018 regarding the Ram mandir issue, it was decided that the saints will meet the President and then take up the matter with the Governors (of all states) too. Everything depends on the saints,” said another VHP office-bearer.

The VHP will also hold meetings on 29 June and 30 June in Jammu to take forward the proposal discussed at the Haridwar conclave. The Jammu meetings will be attended by all the officer-bearers of the VHP.