Cong slams Modi's fast as gimmickry, demands apology for riots

New Delhi, Sep 13 (PTI) Congress Tuesday dismissed as
"gimmickry" western Indian state Gujarat Chief Minister
Narendra Modi's plans for a three-day fast for peace, harmony
and unity in his state and said he should instead start with
offering a "comprehensive apology" for the 2002 riots.
"It is genuine contrition which matters and which should
be reflected in a profound and comprehensive apology which
alone be a starting point of genuine empathy. Otherwise the
country cannot be fooled by gimmickry," party spokesman
Abhishek Singhvi said.
Congress leader Mohan Prakash, who is in charge of party
affairs in Gujarat, also spoke in similar vein.
"Whatever Modi is doing, only he and god knows. BJP's
(Bharatiya Janata Party) actions are always full of hypocrisy
and stunt," he said.
Buoyed by the Indian Supreme Court order in Gulbarga
Society riot case, Modi hit out at his detractors for
"defaming" him for the 2002 riots and announced he would
undertake a fast for peace, harmony and unity in his state.
"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,"
Modi said in a letter to citizens.
The controversial chief minister and BJP's Hindutva
poster boy, who could play a larger role in national politics
in the run up to 2014 Lok Sabha (lower house of Indian
parliament) polls, insisted those defaming him could not
tolerate any positive development of Gujarat.
A senior Congress leader who declined to be identified
alleged that Modi's fast was to pressurise the magistrate
which will hear the case.