VHP supports caste census, urges Hindu unity and calls for freeing temples from government control

Nagpur: "The caste census approved by the govt will certainly bring out key data about people belonging to different religions. The census will not be for Hindus alone as it covers all the religions," said the Organizing General Secretary of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Milind Parande.The VHP, on the other hand, will continue with its work on uniting the Hindus. Its agenda is that Hindus should set aside the differences of caste and language, added Parande.Commenting on mock drills in the wake of a likely war, Parande said there is a need to maintain internal security. There is a threat of sleeper cells managed from Pakistan and Bangladesh. Members of VHP and other Sangh Parivar outfits will certainly take part in mock drills and other measures to ensure internal security.He also hit out at Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, for his comment at US' Brown University that Lord Rama is not a real character. "Such statements from Congressmen do not come as a surprise. These are just methods to stay in power. The only punishment for them is to keep them out of power," said Parande.He said VHP will also carry out a tirade for freeing temples from govt control. Hindu shrines, running into tens of thousands, especially in the southern states, are controlled by the govt. The VHP believes that Hindus are capable enough to manage their places of worship and there is no need for govt control.Lately, a public meeting was held at Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh to create awareness on the issue. Similar meetings will be held in other places as well. A model law for freeing the temples will be presented to various chief ministers, and other legislators will also be contacted. States can adopt the law, said Parande.