The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) held its annual MP Contact Campaign on December 12, fostering dialogue and cooperation with all Members of Parliament (MPs) from Delhi. This unique initiative, aimed at strengthening mutual collaboration for national interest, cultural preservation, and societal development, took place at the office of Praveen Khandelwal.
The event was graced by several senior VHP leaders, including Alok Kumar Ji, Central Working President, Vishva Hindu Parishad, Ambareesh Ji, Central Sampark Pramukh, Vishva Hindu Parishad, Mukesh Vinayak Khandekar Ji, North Zone Sangathan Mantri, Kapil Khanna Ji, Prant Adyaksh, Delhi, Subodh Ji, Prant Sangathan Mantri, Delhi, Surendra Gupta Ji, Prant Mantri, Delhi
Also in attendance were Praveen Gulati, Prant Vishesh Sampark Pramukh (Delhi), and members of the Delhi Sampark Prant Toli.
The campaign served as a platform for interaction between VHP leaders and Delhi’s MPs, emphasising shared commitments to India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
During the meeting, Alok Kumar Ji outlined three critical issues requiring legislative and administrative attention, urging MPs for their support:
1. Autonomy of Educational Institutions
The VHP emphasised that all educational institutions in India should operate autonomously, free from discrimination based on religion, language, or sect.
It was highlighted that institutions like St. Stephen’s College and Jamia Millia Islamia, despite being Central Universities, do not adhere to reservation policies for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
A call was made for constitutional amendments to ensure equal rights for all communities in managing their educational institutions, including appointments and administrative decisions.
2. Autonomy of Temples
The VHP called for an end to government control over temples, pointing out that gurdwaras and mosques are managed independently by their respective communities.
It proposed handing temple management back to the Hindu community through committees comprising devotees, including women, Scheduled Caste, and tribal representatives.
A nationwide campaign on temple autonomy is set to begin from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, on January 5, 2025.
3. Reform in Waqf Law
Concerns were raised about the special privileges granted under the current Waqf laws, which allow properties declared as Waqf to be permanently transferred after a year of gazette notification.
The VHP argued for uniform laws applicable to all religions and recommended that Waqf laws should not apply in tribal areas where land is protected under the Constitution.
Amendments to the Waqf law were proposed to address these disparities.
The discussions were marked by an exchange of ideas, with the VHP leaders seeking suggestions and cooperation from the MPs. All MPs in attendance assured their positive support for these issues, emphasising the need for legislative reforms to ensure fairness and equality across communities.
The event concluded with a strong spirit of collaboration. Leaders and MPs alike reiterated their shared commitment to addressing these pressing matters, ensuring the protection of India’s cultural, educational, and spiritual heritage.
