Date:02/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/02/stories/2008100250370100.htm

Karnataka

Bajrang Dal leader forced to step down

Staff Correspondent

MANGALORE: Two weeks after the Bajrang Dal State convener Mahendra Kumar claimed responsibility for the attacks on churches and Christian prayer halls in the State, the Hindutva leader has been asked to tender his resignation by the top leaders of his organisation.

In a handwritten resignation letter to national convener of the Bajrang Dal Prakash Sharma, copies of which were made available to the press here on Wednesday by members of the organisation, Mr. Kumar says, “As per your direction, I am tendering my resignation from my responsibilities. I will continue to work as a common member of the organisation for the cause of Hindu society.”

Referring to his September 14 press conference where he had claimed responsibility for the attacks on churches, on behalf of his organisation, Mr. Kumar contends in his letter that his statements have been “misinterpreted”.

He has concluded saying that he will continue to work against religious conversions and the “blasphemous propaganda” against Hindu deities.

“At this juncture, I have decided to join the lakhs of Hindu youths in their movement,” he said.

Arrest

Mr. Kumar was arrested in connection with the attacks on September 19. This followed an advisory from the Union Government asking the BJP Government in the State to take effective steps to check the attacks.