VHP lays down conditions for ‘Dandiya’ programmes

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Monday demanded that ‘Dandiya’ programmes be conducted in a strictly religious manner, beginning with worship of Goddess Durga and restricted to Hindu participants. It said attendees should also wear vermilion on their foreheads. In a press release, national general secretary R. Shashidhar warned that the organisation would oppose the entry of Muslim youth. He added that entry should be allowed only on production of valid government-issued identity cards and after breath analyser tests. The VHP has also asked police to deploy ‘SHE’ teams at all venues, while warning organisers that they would be held responsible for any untoward incidents.