VHP rejects `varnashrama', seeks end to untouchability

The fifth State Hindu Resurgence Conference organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Grama Koil Poojarigal Peravai has rejected `varnashrama' and sought an end to the practice of untouchability.
Addressing the conference at the CNC College grounds on Sunday, VHP international president Ashok Singhal said untouchability had no sanction in the Vedas and dharma sasthras. Ancient history and mythology had no record on it. Alien aggressions could have led to the practice. He called upon the heads of mutts to give `manthra deeksha' to all without discrimination.
Mr. Singhal said the VHP was outrightly rejecting `varnashrama dharma,' supposedly written in Manusmrithi, in the interest of consolidating Hindu unity to fight conversions and "Jehadi" terror.
Pension for poojaris
Expressing concern over the living conditions of grama temple poojaris, a resolution passed urged the State to give them Rs.1,000 a month. The families should continue to receive it after the poojaris' death. It sought free power supply to rural temples. The State government should ensure financial assistance for temple festivals and at least one pooja.
The resolution included a `Hindu Agenda' in the form of an appeal to political parties. It sought exemption for temple land from all land reforms legislation, a statutory autonomous board and a State dharmic council for "better" administration of temples.
It sought a ban on conversions and cow slaughter and decried demands for reservation to minorities.
It sought an end to discrimination on legal and constitutional lines in favour of minority institutions.
It urged the Centre to facilitate reconstruction of the Ram temple at Ayodhya and the State to withdraw all cases against Kanchi Sankaracharya.
Hindu population
Expressing concern at the "declining Hindu population, which was growing at 22 per cent as against the growth of minority population at 35 per cent," it urged the Centre to bring in a uniform civil code by implementing the directive principle under Article 44.
A resolution urged the Hindu vote bank to exercise their vote in favour of any party or alliance that pledges to protect their interests in the election manifesto.