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Can Modi Change the Way World Perceives Him?
By siliconindia
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Tuesday, 20 September 2011, 03:41 IST |
75 Comments
His new love for the muslim community has not been welcomed by all. Welcoming his fast for harmony, peace and unity, civil rights activist Binayak Sen asked Modi to acknowledge, if not apologize for the massacre of Muslims during the 2002 riots. "How can there be sadbhavna without justice?," he asks.
In an open letter to Modi, the riot victims said there cannot be sadbhavna without justice. The letter started, "No amount of power or arrogance gave Midas his glass of water nor will you get your sadbhavana." In an emotional appeal, they asked, "If you were so great a chief minister as you claim today, why could not you protect these innocent, helpless Muslims? In fact, why did you fail to protect the innocent 58 passengers of Sabarmati Express who also died in the terrible fire on 27th February 2002."
A strong opponent of Narendra Modi, activists Mallika Sarabhai and Mukul Sinha with many victims the post-Godhra riot were detained for allegedly protesting against Modi's hunger strike. Mallika Sarabhai accuse Modi of using public funds to 'bribe' her lawyers to scuttle the petition filed in the Supreme Court by her on the 2002 riots.
The state Congress unit is holding a counter fast led by veteran leader Shankersinh Vaghela and Arjun Modhvadia. They termed Modi's fast as 'five star' as it is being held in an air-conditioned hall. Congress leaders are observing their fast on the footpath in front of Sabarmati Ashram.
