World doesn't trust Modi, says Cong citing British newspaper

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Apr 12 2014 | 1:20 PM IST
Narendra Modi was again in the line of fire from Congress which quoted a British newspaper to describe the BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate as "much more than a divisive figure" and claimed the world "doesn't trust him".
On its website, the party said, "The Guardian newspaper questions the credibility of Modi's development model and indicts Modi for his role in the riots in Gujarat in 2002", referring to an opinion piece in the April 7 edition.
It concludes by saying that "Modi is much more than a divisive figure". He is a man who "bears a responsibility for some of the worst religious violence ever seen in independent India," the party said, posing the question to people-- "The world doesn't trust Modi, do you ?"
The article, titled "Modi, a man with a massacre on his hands, is not the reasonable choice for India", claims that the Gujarat Chief Minister is "responsible for some of the worst religious violence ever seen in independent India".
The latest attack has come close on the heels of Congress targeting Modi by heaping praise on former Prime Minister and BJP leader A B Vajpayee.
The Congress had even gone to the extent of asserting that no leader in the BJP can match the stature of Vajpayee, while questioning Modi's record during 2002 riots.
"How can a person who failed in his 'Rajdharma' as a Chief Minister ever ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for the people of India.
"How can a person whom the tallest leader of the BJP wanted removed as the Chief Minister be the party's prime ministerial candidate," the article posted on Congress website along with Vajpayee's picture had said.
"Vajpayee was clear what was the reason for the defeat: Gujarat CM Narendra Modi's failure to control the communal pogrom in his state in 2002... Who failed to protect his citizens, who discriminated between people on the basis of religion, who made a mockery of people's suffering, ever make a good PM," the website had said.
BJP had hit back saying Congress was showing its "utter desperation" by heaping praise on Vajpayee to attack Modi as it has been one of the worst critics of the former Prime Minister and termed the ruling party's public appreciation as "not bona-fide".
Later Congress General Secretary Shakeel Ahmed, who is also party spokesman, had clarified that the party also considered Vajpayee a "divisive figure".
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Apr 12 2014 | 1:20 PM IST

Next Story