New Delhi, Sep 13: Buoyed by the Supreme Court verdict in Gulbarga Society riot case, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today hit out at his detractors for “defaming” him for the 2002 riots and announced he would undertake a three-day fast for peace, harmony and unity in his state.
“One thing is apparent from the Supreme Court's judgment. The unhealthy environment created by the unfounded and false allegations made against me and government of Gujarat, after 2002 riots, has come to an end. For the past ten years, it has become fashionable to defame me and the state of Gujarat,” Modi said in a letter to citizens.
The controversial chief minister, who is increasingly being seen as BJP's poster boy who could play a larger role in national politics in the run up to 2014 Lok Sabha polls, insisted those defaming him could not tolerate any positive development of Gujarat.
He charged these people have not left any stone unturned to defame his state.
“It is difficult to say whether this campaign of defamation will stop even after the judgment of the Supreme Court. But one thing is certain that the credibility of those who have been spreading lies and defaming Gujarat has come to its lowest ebb. The people of this country will not trust such elements anymore,” he said.
Modi said that as part of his responsibility to strengthen social harmony and brotherhood, he is planning to start a movement called “Sadbhavana Mission”.
“As part of this Sadbhavana Mission, I have resolved to fast for three days from Saturday, 17th September 2011. My fast will conclude on 19th September. I deeply believe that this fast will further strengthen Gujarat's environment of peace, unity and harmony,” Modi said.
The Supreme Court verdict yesterday directing SIT to either file a final report or a chargesheet in the Gulbarga case to be tried in a lower court has come as a shot in the arm for Modi.
Though he had not come out with a response immediately and confined himself to a tweet- “God is great”- he attacked today those who have charged him with being responsible for post-Godhra riots.
“There is a famous saying, ‘Hate is never conquered by hate'. The real strength of our country is its unity and harmony. Unity in diversity is the defining feature of India. It is our responsibility to strengthen unity in our social life. We have got an excellent opportunity to proceed with a positive attitude,” Modi said.
He has appealed to the people of Gujarat to come together and contribute to enhancing the dignity of the state.
“Sadbhavana Mission is completely dedicated to the society and the nation. I hope that our effort to take Gujarat to new heights of development through peace, unity and harmony will contribute immensely in the progress and development of the nation as well,” he said.
He goes on to claim that after the 2002 episode Gujarat has moved towards peace and development.
“After 2002, Gujarat has not spared any effort to march towards peace, harmony and progress even amidst false propaganda, lies, conspiracies and allegations,” Modi said.
Terming the SC ruling as an “important judgment”, Modi said the judgement is being interpreted in different ways by political analysts and legal experts.
“Someone is interpreting it as victory someone else as defeat. Everyone has his own point of view,” he said.
Congress today dismissed as “gimmickry” Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's plans for a three-day fast for peace, harmony and unity in his state and said he should instead start with offering a “comprehensive apology” for the 2002 riots.
“It is genuine contrition which matters and which should be reflected in a profound and comprehensive apology which alone be a starting point of genuine empathy. Otherwise the country cannot be fooled by gimmickry,” party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi said.
Congress leader Mohan Prakash, who is in charge of party affairs in Gujarat, also spoke in similar vein. “Whatever Modi is doing, only he and god knows. BJP's actions are always full of hypocrisy and stunt,” he said.
Buoyed by the Supreme Court order in Gulbarga Society riot case, Modi hit out at his detractors for “defaming” him for the 2002 riots and announced he would undertake a fast for peace, harmony and unity in his state.
“One thing is apparent from the Supreme Court's judgment. The unhealthy environment created by the unfounded and false allegations made against me and government of Gujarat, after 2002 riots, has come to an end. For the past ten years, it has become fashionable to defame me and the state of Gujarat,” Modi said in a letter to citizens.
The controversial chief minister and BJP's Hindutva poster boy, who could play a larger role in national politics in the run up to 2014 Lok Sabha polls, insisted those defaming him could not tolerate any positive development of Gujarat.
A senior Congress leader who declined to be identified alleged that Modi's fast was to pressurise the magistrate which will hear the case. PTI
NARENDRA MODI'S OPEN LETTER TO PUBLIC
