“The administration is maintaining a double standard. While it had allowed Christian missionaries to hold meetings in the region, it is restricting a Hindu leader which is most unfortunate,” he said.
Togadia was scheduled to address a gathering of VHP supporters at Phulbani, the district headquarters town of Kandhamal, Feb 28. Authorities Thursday imposed a ban on his entry to the district after apprehension that it might disturb the peace in the area.
At least 38 people were killed and thousands had to flee their homes following widespread communal violence in the region in 2008 after the murder of VHP leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati.
Different Christian groups had moved the local and state administration seeking a ban on the proposed visit of Togadia, saying his fiery speeches might upset the fragile peace between communities. (IANS)