VHP supports Anna, 'but only as patriots'

VHP supports Anna, 'but only as patriots'
Press Trust of India, Updated: December 13, 2011 19:06 IST 

Kochi: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) today gave its support to anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare's campaign against corruption but said it was involved in the movement "only as patriots".

"Anna Hazare's movement against corruption is very good and VHP is part of the movement not as VHP or RSS, but as 'Rashtra Bhaktas (patriots),'" VHP president Ashok Singhal told reporters.

Mr Singhal is in Kochi in connection with the three-day VHP trustee board meeting which begins from December 16.

Describing the proposed Prevention of Communal and Targetted violence (Access to Justice and Reparations) 2011 Bill as "unconstitutional," Mr Singhal alleged the Centre's aim of introducing the bill was to "annihilate the Hindus and divide the Hindu society".

"It is against the Constitution and federal structure and it overrides the authority of the state," he said.

He also favoured a new dam being built at Mullaperiyar and said the Kerala and Tamil Nadu governments should come together to find an amicable solution to the issue.

"This should not have become an issue at all," Mr Singhal said, adding that the Union government should have found a solution to it long ago.

The VHP was also against the Tehri dam as it was in the seismic area and if earthquakes took place, the whole of state of Uttar Pradesh would be "wiped off," he said.

http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/vhp-supports-anna-but-only-as-patriots-157664?pfrom=home-india&cp