New Delhi, July 10: Describing views of VHP on Ayodhya issue as "belligerent and totally intolerant", Delhi archbishop Vincent M Concessao today disapproved of Parishad's demand for the resignation of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the issue as well as its earlier criticism of Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswati. "Demands such as the resignation of the Prime Minister on construction of ram temple, is totally uncalled for in a secular democracy where religion and state are separate. The prime minister is head of an elected government," Concessao said addressing a gathering of priests here. "That the VHP had also denounced the earlier initiative of the Shankaracharya only shows that it is bent on creating communal frenzy and does not wish a peaceful settlement," he said.
Expressing his satisfaction at the recent report of the UNDP which indicates a slight improvement in the condition of the poor, the archbishop emphasised the need to work on issue of human development. "Poverty eradication, education for the poor and backward classes, empowerment of women and Dalits are some of the issues that we should all work towards rather than spend precious working hours in issues that don't help the development of the nation," he said and appealed to both Hindu and Muslim leaders to continue with the dialogue to clear all suspicion and misunderstanding in the overall interest of peace and harmony in society.

Bureau Report