BJP cautions Orissa govt over ban on Pravin Togadia's Kandhamal visit

Terming the decision to ban the visit of the VHP leader Pravin Togadia to Kandhamal district as 'whimisical', the BJP today warned that the Orissa government would be reponsible if communal harmony was disturbed at any place over the issue.

"Chief minister Naveen Patnaik will be held reponsible if communal tension Arises in Kandhamal and other parts of the state over the government's whimisical decision," a statement issued by the state BJP said.

The saffron party's reaction came a day after the Kandhamal district administration denied permission to Togadia to enter Kandhamal district, which had witnessed riots last year and the year before.

"While the government offered a red carpet welcome to diplomats from nine European countries, there is no point in putting a ban on Togadia's visit," party's vice-president Ashok Sahu said.

The firebrand VHP leader was scheduled to visit Kandhamal on March 19 and spend a night in Phulbani town. 

Togadia's three-day Orissa visit would start from tomorrow, state VHP general secretary Gouri Prasad Rath said.