Nagpur, Oct 24 The Vishwa Hindu Parishad on Saturday dropped its plan to protest outside Union minister Nitin Gadkari’s residence in Nagpur, citing a “positive discussion” with him amid a row surrounding Maharashtra State Minority Commission chairperson Pyare Khan.
The VHP has been demanding the sacking of Khan over his visit to Nasik jail and alleged meeting with gangster Abu Salem last month.
Khan had refuted the allegation that he had spoken in favour of Salem’s release, saying he did not give any such statement and would resign in 30 seconds if asked.
Salem is currently lodged in Nashik Central Prison, where he is serving life sentences for his involvement in the 1993 Mumbai blasts and a 1995 murder case.
VHP had demanded an impartial inquiry and appropriate action into the matter and levelled other allegations against Khan, including misusing his post.
Ahead of a demonstration outside Gadkari’s residence in the Mahal area at 4 pm, VHP leaders met Gadkari.
Nagpur VHP Mahamantri Amol Thakre said the VHP delegation had a very positive discussion with Gadkari at his residence, and has decided to change the location of the protest.
“Gadkari listened to all the concerns raised by VHP about Pyare Khan and assured us that he will speak to the Maharashtra government and push for action on issues flagged by VHP,” Thakre told reporters after meeting the Union Minister.
Thakre said VHP will stage a protest against Khan in front of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Square.
“The VHP will continue protests against Khan and won’t stop until he resigns from the post of Maharashtra State Minority Commission chairperson,” he added.
(PTI News)
