Hyderabad: If Hindu hardliners in the twin cities have their way, this Valentine’s Day will really be one of love, but with a saffron twist. While the Vishwa Hindu Parishad is preparing to celebrate February 14 as a day of ‘worship’ and ‘love’ for parents, its sister wing, the Bajrang Dal, plans to indulge in moral policing.
“We are not against any organisation or any person, but against the western culture that is being promoted by certain corporate companies in our country while destroying our Indian culture. When we were young, we used to visit parks with our grandparents to enjoy walks. However, now we can only see couples in every corner indulging in indecent activities. Now the parks also charge entry fees,” said Bharath Vamsee, VHP Telangana state and Andhra Pradesh media in-charge.
Read: Valentine’s Day: Police ask couples to file FIRs if in danger
He adds, “During a week-long survey across parks, malls and other hangouts, we asked youngsters what they knew about February 14. More than 95 per cent of them said it was Valentine’s Day. But not one of them knew about it being a black day in the history of the country when the mercy plea of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdeo and Rajguru was rejected and they were sentenced to death.”
Meanwhile, over 5,000 Bajrang Dal activists are preparing to indulge in moral policing in Greater Hyderabad limits this Valentine’s Day to take lovers and couples spotted at parks and public places to the VHP office and get them married.
Read: Valentine’s Day: Students groups to support lovers
Bajrang Dal state coordinator Bhanu Prasad said, “Over 5,000 of our members will move around in the city at parks, hangouts and other public places. If we spot any couple or youngsters together, they will be taken to our VHP office. Their parents will be called and will be given counseling in the presence of police, advocates and seniors of VHP and Bajrang Dal. If they say they really love each other, they will be married as per Hindu rituals.”
He adds, “The process will not be harsh nor will we take the law in our hands. Opposition is only against those for whom Valentine’s Day is just a day to flirt with a girl and ditch her after a while.”
