In the wake of violence against Christians in Orissa, the CPI(M) on Saturday sought a ban on Bajrang Dal and asked Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to snap ties with the BJP saying his shoulders were being used by it to openly back violence by the saffron outfits.

“The involvement of the Bajrang Dal, an organisation affiliated to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and RSS, in violent and terroristic activities is becoming increasingly evident. The Central Government should take cognisance of the terroristic nature of the activities of the Bajrang Dal and take strong action,” the party said.

CPI(M) Politburo member Brinda Karat, who visited some of the affected areas on Friday, said Bajrang Dal was “clearly involved in the ongoing violence against Christian community in the state”. The situation is grave and a “rein of terror” against Christians was prevailing in seven districts of the state, she added.