Vijayawada: Wary of attacks by activists of Bajrang Dal and other fringe elements opposing Valentine's Day, city youth are planning privately organised parties for their privacy and safety. Candlelight parties and dinners are on offer along with DJ and other entertainment programmes. “We are organising parties considering the interest of the youth. Special themes have been arranged to engage the participants. We held a pre-Valentine's Day party on Sunday, which was a huge success. Majority of youth are bothered about their privacy and showing interest towards our events,” said Ch. Sowjanya, a private event organiser in city.
“Warnings and threatening messages of Hindu extremists are worrisome. We have clarity of our future and no one has the right to oppose us,” said P.K.T.S Pavan Kumar, a student from the city. Shopping malls, too, have arranged special events to cash in on Valentine’s Day craze. Special discounts and complimentary couple gifts are on offer at many shopping malls.
However, the ABVP and other Hindu organisations are against such celebrations. “Damaging the trust and hope of parents in the name of love is against traditional Hindu culture. We are not against love, but we are totally against such celebrations,” said Nagireddy, ABVP state president. The city police will deploy special teams in parks and other public places on Valentine's Day.
“We are arranging special pickets in public places on the eve of Valentine's Day. Mahila rakshak teams will cover parks in city and we will maintain law and order,” said G. Pala Raju, deputy commissioner of police, Vijayawada.
