Date:27/07/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/07/27/stories/2007072754521400.htm

National

Modi blames Congress for attack on mayor

Special Correspondent

Seeks apology from Sonia Gandhi

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has picked on the alleged murderous attack on Jamnagar Municipal Corporation Mayor Manharbhai Jhala to counter-attack the Congress.

“Murderous assault”

Mr. Modi not only condemned the alleged attack led by two former BJP colleagues but also demanded that Congress president Sonia Gandhi “apologise to the nation” for the “murderous assault” by some of her partymen.

After two days of silence on the issue, Mr. Modi chose to convert into a political platform an official function of dedicating to the people a power sub-station at Kadi in Mehsana district to attack Ms. Gandhi. At his behest, the BJP units all over the State have started taking out processions and rallies “in sympathy” of Mr Jhala.

Mr Jhala, who had come out unscathed after some crude oil was thrown at him, apparently to “blacken his face” and not to burn him alive as being alleged by the BJP, is attending his routine work.