NEWS ROUND-UP-5
Rejecting religion-based reservation to Muslims and that too from the share of Hindus, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) termed it an attempt that would lead the nation to another Partition. Addressing a gathering of the VHP workers in New Delhi on January 1, VHP general secretary Shri Rai said the VHP would not let any such move succeed. He appealed to the Hindus to stand united against the game-plans of the Congress party. The meeting was attended by senior workers of Delhi. Meanwhile, a high level delegation of the VHP met the Chief Election Commissioner in New Delhi on December 29, 2011 demanding immediate withdrawal of the sub-quota for the minorities just before the declaration of elections in five states. The VHP also demanded a ban on Congress for taking this step to appease the Muslims. In the memorandum presented to the CEC, the VHP said religion-based reservation violates the Articles 15(4) and 16(4) of the Constitution. The VHP also requested the Election Commissioner to take action against the Congress for blatant violation of the model code of conduct. The VHP reminded that in a similar case in 1999, the then CEC had debarred Shri Bal Thakare of Shiv Sena not only from fighting elections but also to cast vote till 2005.
(FOC)
