The Hindu : Advani trying to exonerate Modi Govt., says CPI(M)

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jul 09, 2002

Other States

Other States - Gujarat

Advani trying to exonerate Modi Govt., says CPI(M)

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI JULY 8. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) today criticised the visit of the Deputy Prime Minister, L. K. Advani, to Gujarat and reiterated that rehabilitation of the victims of violence should have the "top-most priority'' for the State Government and that the Centre too should take the responsibility to ensure this.

The CPI (M) politburo, which met here over the weekend, said that Mr. Advani's visit had resulted in another effort to "exonerate Narendra Modi and his Government from their culpability in the worst communal pogrom in recent times''.

Briefing correspondents, the CPI (M) general-secretary, Harkishan Singh Surjeet, said that trying to justify Mr. Modi's performance, Mr. Advani had said that "unlike other riots triggered by trivial incidents in the past, the post-Godhra riots were triggered by a horrendous incident''.The CPI (M) said the statement was "nothing but a repetition of the BJP's rationalisation'' that the widespread violence and killings were results of the Godhra incident.

It said Mr. Advani also sought to defend the BJP's `Gaurav rath yatra' and appreciated the stand taken by the National Human Rights Commission warning against the proposed rath yatra.

Referring to the Presidential election, the CPI (M) appealed to all the legislators and members of Parliament who comprise the electoral college that while exercising their vote they should keep in mind that in the current juncture when the secular and democratic values enshrined in the Constitution required a firm defender, the role of the President assumed special significance.

On the Vice-Presidential election, the politburo decided to consult with all the Opposition parties so that a joint candidate could be put up.

The politburo condemned the Vajpayee Government decision to open the media to foreign capital, which had been opposed by a wide spectrum of political parties and public opinion.

It was essential that all the Opposition parties which recognised the danger posed by foreign influence on the print media took up the matter in Parliament and also, the report of the National Labour Commission should be made public.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Other States

Stories in this Section

Tension after arrest of temple mahant

1 killed in police firing

Advani trying to exonerate Modi Govt., says CPI(M)