VHP to implement ghar wapsi in Goa

Panaji: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Friday said it wants to implement in Goa its ghar wapsi programme—a controversial re-conversion exercise it has implemented in several parts of the country.
“We want to bring back into the Hindu fold Christian brethren whose forefathers were forced to adopt Christianity 400 years ago in Goa. We will do this once Bajrang Dal (VHP’s youth wing) establishes in Goa.The conversions will not be forceful,” Dada Vedak, VHP’s central leader told reporters in Panaji.
He did not say when the programme would be launched, saying only, “We will not force anyone to come back to Hinduism.” He said the group wants to strengthen its organizational capacities, especially its Bajrang Dal wing, in the state.
The right-wing outfit also spoke about its mega Hindu convention scheduled for March 1 in Margao. “The main objective of the convention is to unite all Hindus by obliterating the distinctions of caste, class, state, and country,” said Vedak.
Srinivas Dempo, a prominent industrialist in Goa, who is chairman of the reception committee for the convention, tried to distance himself from the VHP leader’s statements on ghar wapsi.
Asked whether he subscribes to the views expressed by Vedak, Dempo said he is not a member of the VHP and his contribution is extended to his role as chairman of the reception committee. “A large congregation will attend the event. My responsibility is to ensure proper arrangements for the delegates.”
Asked specifically for his views on Vedak’s ghar wapsi statement, Dempo said, “I will not like to comment.”
Vedak said that apart from ghar wapsi, VHP will also execute its other programmes—ban on cow slaughter, fight against love jihad, and popularization of forgotten customs.
“The convention will take stock of what has been done in the last 50 years, and what should be the programme for the next two decades,” said Vedak.
To a question about discrimination in Goa’s temples, where members of temple managements are normally from the higher castes only, Vedak said the VHP will get in touch with the managements to convince them to promote parity.