Date:28/01/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/01/28/stories/2007012808540500.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

A march to counter `hate campaign' on January 30

Special Correspondent

Bangalore: Sauharda Karnataka Vedike is holding a special programme called "Gandhiyedege Namma Nadige" ("Our march is towards Gandhi") on Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary on January 30.

The vedike members have called this an effort to counter "communal disharmony being created by Sangh Parivar forces" in the name of Virat Hindu Samajotsavas.

P. Kodandaramiah, former Police Commissioner and member of the Vedike, told presspersons here on Saturday that although the BJP was not overtly involved in the Samajotsava celebrations, it was "covertly united" with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and other "like-minded" forces to create a vote bank.

Using the pictures of those who had rebelled against Brahminical Hinduism such as B.R. Ambedkar and Basaveshwara in Samajotsava banners was no more than a "political gimmick".

The Dalits should remember that one of the BJP ideologues, Arun Shourie, had described Ambedkar as a "false god" in one of his books.

L. Hanumanthiah, MLC, another member of the vedike, said the "hate campaign" on minorities in Samajotsavas was disturbing.

The Government was looking the other way rather than banning Samajotsavas because the BJP was a partner in power. The rally on January 30 will start from Mythic Society and culminate at the Mahatma Gandhi statue.