Asked why Dr Manmohan Singh has apologised for the 1984 riots, but Modi was yet to do so for the 2002 Gujarat riots, Jaitley said, "the reason being that those who are opposed to Modi and failed to find out his faults, will then have the argument to say, even if there is no evidence, see, he is tendering apology and so he is guilty. It (Gujarat riots) was unfortunate, but given the history of communal riots in Gujarat, for the last 10-12 years there is complete peace. In such a situation, some people are constantly trying to reopen that chapter."
On Snoopgate, the BJP leader rejected the Congress charge that the privacy of a woman was violated by Gujarat police.
"It's (charge) all wrong. The woman's father gave a statement saying we are facing harassment and he requested that a surveillance be kept. They Gujarat govt) set up a commission headed by a High court judge, and the facts will come out..The family will go before the commission and give its statement, the woman will also testify and all the facts will come out. So many commissions and inquiries were made (against Modi). In Sohrabuddin case, effort was made to nail him but no evidence was found. In Ishrat Jahan case, attempt was made to nail even the central IB , they tried to nail (Modi) in 2002 riots, but no evidence was found. Now they have got hold of Snoopgate."
On former Karnataka CM B S Yeddyurappa's party merging with BJP, Jaitley admitted that BJP had to "pay the price" for removing him from chiefministership.
"There were charges against him. A chargesheet has been filed in court. We took action by removing him from the post of CM. And we had to pay the price for removing him. He left the party and we lost the election. Now today he has said he wants to return to our party. So, what should we tell him? Don't return and go and help Congress?"
