Bajrang Dal, VHP fit for ban: Congress

The demand for imposing a ban on Sangh Parivar outfits Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishas on Monday gained momentum with the Congress saying these organisations were a "suitable case" for such action.

"Bajrang Dal is a suitable case for ban... Also the VHP," Congress spokesperson Jayanthi Natarajan said in Delhi.

The Bajrang Dal had committed acts of violence against Christian community in both Orissa and Karnataka and has spread communal hatred, she alleged.

Of those arrested in Karnataka for their role in anti-Christian violence, more than half belong to the Bajrang Dal outfit, she charged.

Giving out figures of casualties in the violence in Orissa and Karnataka, the spokesperson said so far 50 Christians have been killed, more than 5,000 dwellings razed, over 100 churches torched and not less than 50,000 members of the Christian community rendered homeless.

Several United Progressive Alliance allies like the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Lok Janshakti Party have demanded a ban on the saffron outfits for their alleged role in the anti-Christian violence in some parts of the country.

"It is unclear why the reign of terror has been let loose against the minority community in such a vicious manner," Natarajan said, adding, "the state government (Orissa) has only allowed the situation to deteriorate."

Referring to the "horrific violence" against women, particularly the rape of a nun, she said the culprits have yet to be arrested.