Muslims must not sell puja items in Hindu temples: VHP demands

New Delhi: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has demanded that the sale of puja items by Muslims in Hindu pilgrimage centers should be stopped. It was Bajrang Bagra, secretary general of the organization, who came up with the demand. VHP claimed that there are centers owned by Muslims that sell puja items, hiding owners' identities. He also alleged that the sellers were spitting on the puja items and prasad.

Therefore, all state governments should take the necessary steps to address this. There are Muslims who sell puja items in pilgrimage centers, including Kedarnath. The government should intervene and stop the Muslims from doing such businesses.

Last year, there were multiple incidents in Karnataka where Hindutva extremists banned Muslim vendors from selling wares on temple premises and at temple fairs.

Backing Bagra, VHP National Spokesperson Vinod Bansal also came forward with a similar allegation.

Last month, what grabbed headlines on VHP was its military-style arms training for its followers. Shocking videos of Hindu right-wing extremists conducting illegal military-style firearm training have surfaced on social media. The video features members of radical Hindutva outfits VHP and its youth wing, Bajrang Dal, indulging in shooting, marching with rifles on public roads, etc. There were events held in multiple states the videos showed, and these events, rifle firing training, and marches with arms through streets in the open were seen. In Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the outfit members took to the streets crying inflammatory slogans and brandishing canes and swords.