Did Mahatma err in making Nehru PM, Chavan asks Modi

Says BJP's PM nominee was "reanalysing history" for politics

Taking on Narendra Modi over his remarks that Sardar Patel should have been India's first prime minister, Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan today said BJP's PM nominee was "reanalysing history" for politics.

"Nehru was Mahatma Gandhi's choice. It was the Mahatma who chose Nehru over Patel. Does this mean that the Father of the Nation erred in his choice," Chavan asked.

He was speaking to reporters at his official residence 'Varsha' during an informal Diwali gathering this evening.

"Mahatma Gandhi had taken the right decision. What does one say if anyone calls it wrong," Chavan said, adding Modi was "reanalysing history for politics. This is a pathetic attempt to reanalyse history".

On ally NCP attending the Left-initiated anti-communalism rally and possibility if a Third Front, Chavan said, "Everyone should welcome efforts to fight communal forces whose agenda is to divide the country."

"If there is a fractured mandate after the polls, it does not augur well for the country," Chavan said.

On NCP chief Sharad Pawar's remark about Rahul Gandhi that he should gain administrative experience before trying to become prime minister, Chavan said, "Pawar is a senior leader. I am not going to dwell on how he should practise his politics.

"Pawar says he does not want to contest Lok Sabha polls but his close associates want him to contest. If he (Pawar) has some divergent views (on Rahul) I don't think I need to comment," he said.