VHP-backed Ram Rajya Rath Yatra reaches Varanasi; procession aims to mobilise support for Ram temple in Ayodhya

Ayodhya: The right-wing Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) backed ‘Ram Rajya Rath Yatra’ which is trying to mobilise support for a Ram temple in Ayodhya reached Varanasi on the second day of its journey. The Yatra started from Ayodhya on Tuesday late evening and took a night halt in Bharat Kund locality about 20 kilometres from Ayodhya town. ‘Bharat Kund’ is believed to be the place where Lord Rama’s brother Bharata performed a ‘Yagna’ for his return from exile. [caption id=“attachment_2744864” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Representational image. Reuters[/caption] Sharad Sharma, VHP spokesperson said that the organisers of the Yatra had requested the organisation’s support for a programme to be held in Ayodhya. “Actually the VHP is not the part of that Yatra, as it is being organised by another society. However, we will cooperate with them,” said Sharma. In 41 days, the Yatra will reach Tamil Nadu’s Rameshwaram after covering six states including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka.