Lucknow:
Ahead of national elections nine months away, religion-based politics has fired up India's most populous state Uttar Pradesh.
The BJP today slammed the state's ruling Samajwadi Party for announcing a major pro-minority sop and denying permission for a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) yatra seen to be aimed at resurrecting the Ayodhya temple campaign.
"They are not doing anything for the good of Muslims - this is only vote bank politics," said BJP leader Kalraj Mishra. "How can they stop the VHP's yatra? Anyone can take out a yatra." The VHP is an affiliate of the BJP's ideological parent Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
The state government had on Tuesday announced 20 per cent share for minorities in all welfare schemes.
"This is in keeping with our promise in the party manifesto that we would try to implement the recommendations of the Sachchar and Ranganath Mishra panels (for minority welfare)," said Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.
The announcement appeared timed to staunch a rebellion within the Samajwadi Party after Akhilesh Yadav and party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav met VHP leaders on Saturday. State minister Azam Khan had hit out at Mulayam Singh, saying hobnobbing with the likes of VHP would send a wrong message to Muslims.
Shortly after Azam Khan's public outburst, the state government cited Supreme Court orders to reject VHP's request for administrative clearance for its yatra called the "chaurasi kosi parikrama" from August 25, to revive its demand for a Ram temple at the disputed site of the razed 16th century Babri mosque.
The government has increased security in the state after a defiant VHP said it would carry on with its yatra, come what may. The Ayodhya yatra is being seen as the Sangh parivar's attempt to consolidate the Hindu vote base for the general elections with a cautious revival of the Hindutva agenda. While the VHP is expected to make a big push for the Ram temple, the BJP will talk about development and inclusive politics.