Udupi: Sadhwi Balika Saraswati invited for Hindu Samajotsav

Udupi, Mar 9: Days after police booked her for 'provocative' speech at a similar event, VHP leader Sadhvi Balika Saraswati has been invited by the outfit to attend its Udupi 'Virat Hindu Samajotsav' today.

The invitation comes after VHP International Working President Pravin Togadia was banned yesterday for a week from entering Udupi district of Karnataka for the Hindu Samjotsava rally.

The organisers have also invited VHP All India Secretary Surendra Kumar Jain as the main speaker at the function, VHP sources said.

Recently a case was slapped against Saraswati from Madhya Pradesh who was the key speaker at the Hindu Samajotsava held here on March 1 for allegedly disturbing communal harmony through her 'provocative utterances'.

All arrangements had been made for the programme to be held at the MGM ground at Udupi tomorrow, they said.

Udupi Superintendent of Police Annamalai and Deputy Commissioner R Vishal are camping in the town to monitor the security arrangements for a peaceful conduct of the event.

Meanwhile, Sri Rama Sene leader Pramod Muthalik alleged at a press meet today that the state government was hurting the sentiments of Hindus by banning Togadia's entry.

He also said that a ban on Hindu leaders from attending functions was aimed at suppressing the efforts of Hindu outfits to unite the community.