The Vishva Hindu Parishad today sought to distance itself from firebrand Hindutva leader Sadhvi Prachi, whose comments in the wake of the killing of a VHP leader in Agra have invited criticism from various quarters.

'The VHP wants to make it clear again that Sadhvi Prachi is neither its leader, nor spokesperson nor any office-bearer... Her statements should not be linked to the VHP,' its international joint general secretary Surendra Jain said in a statement.

He said she had contested election and is active in electoral politics hence she cannot be called a VHP functionary.

'Nobody active in electoral politics can be a VHP office-bearer,' he said.