Date:29/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/29/stories/2008092957510400.htm

Karnataka

‘Hindus should show religious tolerance’

Staff Correspondent

DAVANGERE: A large number of Christians have been converting into Hinduism in the United States and many other countries, but the Christian community has never protested against it. Hindus should be broadminded and show religious tolerance, H.T. Sangliana, MP, has said.

Taking to presspersons here on Sunday, he said that the Hindu Jagaran Vedike and other organisations, which were allegedly involved in the attacks on churches in the State, should adopt the “live and let live” policy. A large number of Hindu priests had gone to the U.S. and many other countries and established Hindu temples there. But no one had opposed it, he said.

‘No whip issued’

Mr. Sangliana claimed that he was not issued any whip by the BJP to vote against the nuclear deal. Even if it were issued, he said he would have violated it as he was more interested in the welfare of the country than that of the party. Asked whether he would contest the

next Lok Sabha elections as an independent candidate, Mr. Sangliana said he was yet to take a decision on that. He denied allegations that he was either pressured by foreign agencies or lured by them to support the nuclear deal.