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CM condemns VHP leader's remarks

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI OCT. 19. The Delhi Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit, today expressed shock and disbelief at the language used by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader, Parveen Togadia, against the Congress president, Sonia Gandhi. She called upon one and all to strongly condemn this political and cultural vulgarity that threatens to tear apart the country's cultural fabric.

Describing Mr. Togadia's utterances at a rally in Gujarat as "totally uncultured and indicative of a sick mind-set,'' Ms. Dikshit said: "it seemed the VHP leader had lost his balance and was behaving in such an uncivilised manner out of sheer frustration.''

She said everybody, cutting across party lines, should condemn this despicable act which had no place in a civilised society. "The political parties have a great responsibility to ensure that the political atmosphere does not get relegated to such a sub-standard level as it would be harmful for the values, traditions and heritage we stand and live for.''

The Chief Minister said it was unfortunate that the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, and the saner elements in the BJP had maintained a stoic silence over this unpardonable act of the VHP leadership bent upon spreading communal hatred using religion to misguide the people. "It was these very elements which had indulged in inhuman acts of violence against a particular section of society in Gujarat and spreading hatred among the people.

The Sangh Parviar outfits need to learn a lesson or two in use of civilised language and behaviour and their tirade is only going to strengthen the resolve of the Congress and the people to fight such forces who are bent upon dividing the country on religious lines.''

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