BJP invites US ambassador to Modi's rally in Delhi

Diplomats from various other countries, including Germany Japan, Britan and China were also invited

Delhi BJP has invited American ambassador Nancy Powell to Narendra Modi's rally here on Sunday notwithstanding the denial of visa to the Gujarat Chief Minister by the US.

Senior Delhi BJP leader Vijender Gupta said the US ambassador had been invited to attend the "historic rally" along with diplomats from around 100 countries.

"We have sent an invitation to the US ambassador along with diplomats from various other countries, including Germany Japan, Britan and China," Gupta told PTI.

He said that a large number of foreign missions had shown an interest in Modi's rally and that was why the party had invited them.

After Modi was anointed BJP's prime ministerial candidate on September 14, the US had said that there was no change in its visa policy with regard to the BJP leader and that he was welcome to apply for the same.

"There is no change in our long-standing visa policy. With regard to the (Gujarat) Chief Minister, he is welcome to apply for a visa and await a review like any other applicant.

"That review will, of course, be grounded in US law," State Department spokesperson Marie Harf had said.

In 2005, the US had denied Modi a diplomatic visa and revoked his existing tourist/business visa over allegations of human rights violations during the 2002 riots in Gujarat.