Bajrang Dal - Demand For Ban

Demand For Ban

• Though there were no demands for ban till recently, there is a lot of demand for ban from the ruling Congress which is accused by opposition for minority appeasement, and also from different minority groups including the government owned National Commission for Minorities. However, the ruling government has decided not to impose due to fear of lack of evidences. In addition, India's National Security Advisor also suggested that a ban on Bajrang Dal is not sustainable
• In September 2008, the Indian National Congress (INC) demanded a ban on the Bajrang Dal and the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) which according to the INC are involved in anti-national activities. Congress spokesman Manish Tewari said "White paper should be brought out not only against SIMI but all organisations involved in anti-national activities like Bajrang Dal and VHP". Congress spokesman Shakeel Ahmed said, "Those outfits involved in terrorist activity should be investigated, the question is why Bajrang Dal should not be banned". Muslim cleric Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahli, who is involved in the "Movement Against Terrorism", also demanded a ban on this organization in the wake of the Kanpur blast.

• The monthly magazine Communalism Combat started by civil rights activists Teesta Setalvad and Javed Anand demanded an immediate ban on the Bajrang Dal in August 2008. Leader of the Lok Janashakti Party (LJP) Ramchandra Paswan describing the Bajrang Dal as communal organization said, "Bajrang Dal and VHP should immediately be banned."

• The Indian National Congress, Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati have demanded a ban on Bajrang Dal and Sri Rama Sena. In this regard, Deve Gowda sent a letter to prime minister and accused Bajrang Dal "for perpetrating senseless violence" against minorities in Karnataka and Orissa.

• On 5 October 2008, the National Commission for Minorities has recommended a ban on the Bajrang Dal and VHP for its alleged role in the attacks on Christian institutions in Karnataka. However, the ruling state government has the Minority commission's recommendations and does not support this suggestion.

• On 5 October 2008, the Indian Prime Minister has decided to call a special cabinet meeting to discuss a possible ban on the Bajrang Dal and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad over the continuing attacks on Christians and its institutions in Orissa and Karnataka.