PM Narendra Modi upset, VHP puts ‘ghar wapsi’ events on hold

SURAT: Vishwa Hindu Parishad activists across the country have been verbally instructed by their seniors to discontinue ' ghar wapsi' events after its programme at Arnai village in Valsad on Saturday— where at least 500 tribal Christians were "reconverted"— created a controversy.

"It is said that PM Narendra Modi expressed his displeasure with VHP leaders about Saturday's event," said a VHP functionary on condition of anonymity. However, VHP international president Pravin Togadia told TOI that no fresh instruction has been issued either to start or stop any activity of the organization.

But on the other hand, VHP in Madhya Pradesh claimed that 6 lakh converted Hindus "returned home" on Sunday. In Kerala, at least 30 dalit Christians from eight families were "reconverted" at a function at Alappuzha.

"At least 40 lakh conversions have been stopped till now," said a VHP official.

Also, speaking at a book launch in Delhi, VHP chief Ashok Singhal said, "The Hindu culture and religion have been subjugated for the last 800 years and now we can say we have a government which is committed to protecting Hindutva."

Another Gujarat VHP leader said, "VHP is not under any pressure from the government and its activities will continue. We will take care that our programmes don't spread hatred in society."

VHP international president Pravin Togadia told TOI over phone that no fresh instruction has been issued either to start or stop any activity of the organization. "Whatever activity is being highlighted now is being done since decades. There is nothing new. VHP has not issued any instruction to its cadres to carry out any activity or to discontinue it," said Togadia, who is in Madhya Pradesh for an event.

VHP Gujarat sources said many office-bearers have been told not to disclose event details to the media and maintain secrecy about the organization's future programmes fearing the government may use its machinery to stop VHP's activities.

"Our values will be gradually established in the country. We want an invincible Hindu society which works for the world's welfare according to these values... We have never gone out to convert the world but to win over their heart," he added.

In Chennai, BJP president Amit Shah said, "The BJP has made its stand clear on conversions. And no one can derail the party (government) from its development agenda," replying to a question whether the campaign by some fringe groups on conversion would affect Modi government's development agenda.

Singhal's and Shah's comments came a day after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat defended the controversial Sangh parivar campaign and dared the opposition to support a law banning religious conversions.