New Delhi: The Bajrang Dal has launched a series of shaurya sanchalan (‘strength marches’) at 1,000 locations around the country, including routes in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The marches began on 6 December — the anniversary of the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992.
The idea, Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) leaders say, is to inform people, especially the youth, about the importance and history of the Ram Mandir that is under construction in Ayodhya, and to encourage young people to protect Hindu religion and culture.
According to the leaders, the marches will also showcase the growth of the Bajrang Dal, often called the youth wing of the VHP, and encourage more young people to work for the nation, be disciplined and united. Sources said the shaurya sanchalan events would also see young people take a pledge to protect Hindutva.
Bajrang Dal national convenor Sohan Singh Solanki said, “6 December is a big day for the whole country and for the Bajrang Dal too. This is the reason that the Bajrang Dal celebrates 6 December as Shaurya Diwas. In the past, we used to organise programmes and events, and visit temples.”
He added, “This time, we have decided to move a step forward and carry out shaurya sanchalan to inform people of the importance of the Ram Mandir and its history, and to ensure that the youth will understand what it means and how this has been achieved.”
He further said that the marches would take place in at least 1,000 places across the country, including seven locations in Delhi and more than a dozen in Uttar Pradesh. They are being held from 6 December to 12 January, with the participation of young people aged between 13 and 25.
“More than 1,000 people will participate in each march. We are finalising the places,” he added.
Show of strength
The event comes ahead of the crucial Uttar Pradesh elections scheduled February-March 2022. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is showcasing the construction of the Ram Mandir as one of its major achievements in the leadup to the polls.
Founded on 1 October 1984 to guard a shobha yatra launched by the VHP as part of the Ram temple movement, the Bajrang Dal is often called the VHP’s youth wing.
“The Bajrang Dal over a period of time has become more organised. Shaurya sanchalan is not an ordinary march but an organised one to showcase the organisation and to motivate the workers,” said Surender Jain, joint general secretary, VHP.
(Edited by Rohan Manoj)
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