UPA not adhering to commitment on Dandi heritage path: Modi

The Gujarat CM takes a dig at Central govt for falling back on its promise of constricting a heritage path at Dandi

Lashing out at the UPA government for not adhering to its commitment on Dandi heritage path, Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday claimed that Congress was not following Mahatma Gandhi's path and accused them of attempting to change it as well.

Speaking at prayer meeting in Dandi, Navsari on occasion of Gujarat's 53rd Foundation Day, Modi took a dig at the Central government for falling back on its promise of constricting a heritage path at Dandi, where the Father of the Nation broke the historic salt law of the then British government.

"In 2005, to gain political capital off the 75th anniversary of the Dandi march, the UPA government organized an event. Congress leaders came to Gujarat for photo opportunities. Keeping aside political differences, our government welcomed all because it was an occasion, which gave inspiration to the nation. On that occasion, the PM declared that the Sabarmati-Dandi route which Gandhiji travelled on would be declared ‘heritage marg," Modi said.

 “The PM had declared Gandhiji’s exact route would be built as heritage marg, but now the Union government, asks us to name the existing government road as heritage road," Modi said, questioning whether it was correct to modify history. "Can history be changed? Can we deny that Mahabharat happened in Kurukshetra? Do we have the right to change Gandhi’s path? Should I be a part of this sin?" he asked.

“You (PM) had made a promise to the nation….no individual who has read India’s history, no Gujarati will tolerate government’s efforts to change Gandhi ji’s path. I hope that the PM and the Central government not view this in terms of money for history cannot be viewed in terms of money, it is an inspiration, that bridges the future," the chief minister said.

He claimed that Congress was not following Gandhiji’s path. “Congress leaders claim to walk on Gandhiji’s path but that has never happened. Now, they are forcing Gandhiji to change his path," he alleged.

Modi warned that there was an effort by certain sections to erase and rewrite history. “The entire world is eager to know about Gandhiji and yet, they are trying to forget him. But we are trying to ensure that this doesn’t happen,” he added.