VHP, Bajrang Dal distribute trishuls in Orissa

(Deccan Herald - May 24, 2005)

VHP, Bajrang Dal distribute trishuls
DH News Service ,Bhubaneswar:

A ‘Trishul Diksha’ programme was organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal at Nimapara in Orissa’s coastal Puri district on Sunday where trishuls were distributed to nearly 350 youths from different coastal districts. They were also administered oath to work for the protection of the Hindu religion.

The event was organised at the end of a week-long training session of VHP-Bajrang Dal volunteers.

Last year too, an attempt was made to hold such an event in the presence of VHP heavyweight Praveen Togadia which had to be cancelled due to resistance from the state administration as well as a few non-BJP political parties.

Sunday’s programme was a low-key affair. The only Central leader present at the function was Rajendra Prasad Pankaj, an all-India secretary of the VHP.However, several leaders of the Orissa units were present. They included Subash Chouhan, the state coordinator of the Bajrang Dal, and Gouri Prasad Rath, a secretary of the VHP’s Orissa unit. Significantly, the controversial event was held the day RSS chief K S Sudarshan arrived in the state. Mr Sudarshan, however, visited the state to attend a different programme — a two-day training camp of the RSS cadres at Talcher in Angul district.

Karnataka: Bajrang Dal to train workers in arms usage

(Deccan Herald - May 6, 2005)

Bajrang Dal to train workers in arms usage
DH News Service Chikmagalur:

The list of selected workers of Bajrang Dal who will receive training on usage of arms for the protection of the country will be prepared on May 8.

In a statement, Bajrang Dal said the trainees would be selected in presence of Bajrang Dal’s South India Convener Pramod Muthalik and State Convener Mahendra Kumar. Prominent workers from various taluks of the district will take part in the selection rally.

He said Muthalik will take part in the Saamoohika Satyanarayana Pooja to be held in Moodigere and address a public meeting before finalising the formalities for Bajrang Dal Bharthi campaign to be started from this month in the State.

Hindu Jagrutha Tarun Samavesh will be held at 2 pm at Kadabagere in Chikmagalur taluk.

‘Be accountable’ campaign leader Girish Mattannavar will the chief guest, he explained.