Modi on Tuesday announced that he would begin a three-day fast from Saturday, which is also his birthday. In a statement He said that he wanted to “promote social harmony” in the state.
In his message, the Chief Minister of Gujarat also refers to the Supreme Court verdict delivered Monday that has been hailed by both him and his party, the BJP, as a vindication. Three Supreme Court judges did not take a position on whether there’s enough evidence to merit Mr Modi’s trial for his alleged role in the Gujarat riots of 2002, when more than 1000 people were killed, most of them Muslims.
The Supreme Court has said it’s up to a trial court in Gujarat to study the evidence and charges against Mr Modi. Zakia Jafri, whose husband and former Congress MP Ehsan Jafri was set on fire during the riots, has accused the Chief Minister of ensuring assistance was not provided to those being attacked.
In his message Mr Modi said, “One thing is apparent from the Supreme Court’s judgment – the unhealthy environment created by the unfounded and false allegations made against me and Government of Gujarat, after 2002 riots, has come to an end. For the past ten years, it has become fashionable to defame me and the state of Gujarat… But one thing is certain…that the credibility of those who have been spreading lies and defaming Gujarat has come to its lowest ebb.”
Mr Modi also writes, “After 2002, Gujarat has not spared any effort to march towards peace, harmony and progress even amidst false propaganda, lies, conspiracies and allegations… I humbly submit before you that, as part of this responsibility to strengthen social harmony and brotherhood, I am thinking of starting a movement of “Sadbhavana Mission…. I have resolved to fast for three days from Saturday, the 17th September 2011. My fast will conclude on 19th September. I deeply believe that this fast will further strengthen Gujarat’s environment of peace, unity and harmony.”
