Congress, Hindu Mahasabha lock horns over Gwalior 'Godse temple'

BHOPAL: The installation of Nathuram Godse's bust in Gwalior by Hindu Mahasabha has triggered a political storm in the state with the Congress demanding a ban on Hindu Mahasabha, while the latter threatening that its members would commit self-immolation if the idol is removed. They have also threatened to carry out a statewide protest if they are stopped from building the temple.Meanwhile, state BJP president Nandkumar Singh Chauhan has said that Congress allegations that BJP is supporting Hindu Mahasabha on construction of Godse temple are false and baseless.
Congress on Friday sat in a silent demonstration in front of Mahatma Gandhi's statue in the old Vidhan Sabha premises wearing black strips of cloth over their mouths. Later, about 150 Congress leaders, party's corporators and workers marched to the Raj Bhavan and submitted a memorandum for Governor OP Kohli.
On Thursday, the Gwalior district administration show-caused Hindu Mahasabha for installation of the idol, while the Congress staged protests across the state demanding sedition case against the organisation. The Mahasabha installed the Godse's idol and began prayers on Tuesday. The 'Godse temple' is located in Hindu Mahasabha office in Gwalior.
Gwalior ADM Shivraj Singh Verma issued the notice to Mahasabha leader Jaiveer Bharadwaj citing that building a temple without permission from the government is a cognisable offence under the Madhya Pradesh Sarvajanik Sthan (Dharmik Bhawan Evam Gatividhiyon Ka Viniyaman) Sanshodhan Adhiniyam, 2001 and the bust should be immediately removed. The organisation has been asked to submit reply in five days. However, Hindu Mahasabha leaders were undeterred claiming that young generation should be acquainted with Godse's contribution. Nandkumar Singh Chauhan said the temple was constructed by a group of followers and BJP has nothing to do with them.