FILE — Vishnu Sadashiv Kokje, Vishwa Hindu Parishad president. (PTI photo)

ALLAHABAD: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) president Vishnu Sadashiv Kokje said on Monday that since the organisation’s top agenda of constructing Ram temple in Ayodhya has almost been achieved, it will now focus on bringing ‘ samrasta ’ (harmony) among Hindu communities by eradicating caste system to ensure unity among all Hindus.

Briefing reporters about the three-day Samajik Samrasta meet held at the ongoing Magh Mela, Kokje said, “Since our prime motto of construction of Lord Ram’s temple is over, we will launch samrasta campaign on a war footing across the country and will focus on new generation for eradicating caste system and bringing unity among all Hindus. We will include religious discourses (sat-sang) and stress on restoring the old glory of our culture, and will provide all kinds of assistance to the deprived.”

“Just holding ‘sah bhoj’ (community feast) would not bring samrasta. There is a need for constructive measures to eradicate the caste system,” he added.

“Ram temple had always been top priority of VHP and now since the court has ordered construction of temple in Ayodhya, we are now focusing on samrasta among Hindus. Efforts have been made since ages to break unity and we need to check such elements,” said Kokje.

“There is no conflict on the temple’s model, but I hope that the trust formed by the government also considers VHP model. Around 60% of stone carving for a two-storyed temple is already done and the VHP model has become popular. We will give suggestions if the trust asks,” he added.

Kokje, however, demanded that only Ram bhakts (devotees) should be included in the trust.

Referring to the ongoing protests against the new citizenship law, he said, “It’s an attempt to disrupt the Union government’s functioning and many groups are behind it. Muslims are venting their frustration over recent developments like abrogating Articles 370, 35 A, banning triple talaq and court’s nod for Ram temple.”

