The Samajwadi Party on Tuesday demanded a ban on Bajrang Dal in the wake of attacks on churches and missionaries in Orissa and Karnataka, saying when there is a ban on SIMI [Images] the same action can be taken against the saffron outfit.

"We demand a ban on Bajrang Dal for which we will talk to the Union government," party president Mulayam Singh Yadav [Images] told newspersons here.

Yadav, who opposes the ban on Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), said when there can be a ban on SIMI why a ban cannot be imposed on Bajrang Dal.

Appreciating the services of missionaries in various fields, he said their contribution and work towards humanity cannot be overlooked.

Hitting out at the saffron outfit, he said that a debate should be initiated to ascertain as to who is at the root of terror and the recent attacks.

The Samajwadi Party leader also came out in support of the people of Azmagarh, the place from where youths linked to Delhi [Images] serial blasts come from, saying "a thorough inquiry will reveal the real picture".

"There can be a handful of people who could be involved in such cases but it is wrong to brand the town as nursery of terrorism," he said.