BJP jumps to Modi’s defence
After Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi faced severe criticism on Friday over his controversial comments on the 2002 post-Godhra riots, the Bharatiya Janata Party jumped to his defence, asking not to misinterpret his comments and maintaining that “a controversy has been created where it does not exist”.
Even Mr Modi had to tweet that all forms of life are valued and worshipped in Indian culture after coming under attack over the “puppy” analogy.
“In our culture, every form of life is valued and worshipped,” Mr Modi tweeted, hours after his remarks that one would feel sad even if a puppy comes under one’s vehicle kicked up a storm. “People are the best judge,” he tweeted.
Political rivals said the Gujarat chief minister were “insensitive and reflective of his mindset” over the death of minorities in the post-Godhra riots. But the BJP defended Mr Modi’s remarks, saying he has been “misinterpreted completely”.
Describing the controversy as “absolutely despicable”, BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman said: “I appeal to all to read the interview in full and not to speak out of context. It is risky.”
On the “puppy” comment, she said Mr Modi meant anybody would feel sad even if a human being came under a car.
“Clearly, this is done with an intention to appease a particular section. It is part of the Congress’ vote-bank politics. It is part of the Congress’ strategy before elections,” Ms Sitharaman said.
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