Mangaluru: Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal held a press meet at the VHP office, near PVS circle here on December 16.
Addressing the mediapersons, Murali Hasanthadka said that the Dattamala Abhiyan will commence from December 16 and will conclude on 24 December. About 15000 devotees in and around Mangaluru are expected to visit Datta Peeta. 3000 devotees are expected from Mangaluru city alone. On December 20, devotees will take part in a pilgrimage from PVS to Sharavu Mahaganapathi temple. The pilgrimage to Datta Peeta will commence from Mangaladevi temple and Rama Banjana Mandir, Yedepadav on December 23 at 10 am.
Speaking about Dr Zakir Naik’s proposed speech on 2 January, Murali said that Zakir Naik will be testing the patience of Hindus in the region. “The state government is also supporting him. We can see the attitude of the Siddaramaiah government by its actions on issues like the stay on anti-cow slaughter bill or the recent Tipu Jayanti”. He said that VHP has registered complaints in local police stations regarding Dr Zakir Naik’s provocative speeches for which VHP has proof in the form of video CDs.
Murali further said that the VHP has invited Dr Praveen Bhai Togadia to Mangaluru on January 6. “The administration should not give permission for any programme featuring such a controversial figure. If the administration gives permission to Dr Zakir Naik to speak on January 2, we will organize a Hindu Samajotsava headed by Praveen Togadia on the same day as a mark of protest,” he added.