Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) senior leader S. Vedantham has blamed the Dravidian parties for having failed to end caste rivalry in Tamil Nadu, though they claim to be champions of a casteless society.
Addressing a press conference here on Sunday, he said the VHP would conduct a mass campaign after its State conference at Hosur on January 25 to bring about unity among all castes in Tamil Nadu. It would also lead a public movement for enforcing complete prohibition to save the youth from alcohol.
Mr. Vedantham took part at a meeting of the district office-bearers at Thiruparankundram here to discuss eradication of caste and cultural protection.
ADVERTISEMENT
He alleged that the Dravidian parties had failed to eradicate untouchability, despite being in power for several decades. “Caste clashes are taking place, and untouchability is still rampant in rural areas.”
He criticised the Tamil Nadu government for promoting alcohol addiction. “Our demand is total prohibition. Youth and students are getting addicted to alcohol, and families are getting ruined. On the one hand, the government talks about welfare schemes and on the other, it is killing the youth through alcohol. The Hosur conference will sensitise the youth to the evils of drinking,” he said.
Some political parties were making a hue and cry over religious conversions for their political advantage, but there was nothing wrong in Muslims getting reconverted to Hinduism. “It is only a homecoming for them. In fact, it is time all political parties took note of the declining Hindu population. Mass conversions to Christianity and Islam were not curbed, and hence the Hindu headcount has come down,” he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
VHP State president R.S. Narayanasamy said the VHP would prevail upon the governments to protect Hindu temples, and the forthcoming State conference would highlight the issues concerning youth, conversions and the Hindu community.