BJP chief Rajnath Singh on Sunday came out in the open, yet again, to defend Narendra Modi over the 2002 riots saying it would be ‘unfair’ to blame the Gujarat Chief Minister for that ‘unfortunate’ incident.
At the national executive meeting of BJP’s minority cell, Singh also played to the minority gallery assuring that the party was ready to sort out any ‘confusion’ in the minds of Muslims over its approach towards them.
Singh’s defence of Modi and efforts to reach out to Muslims came at a time when there is growing clamour within the BJP to declare the Gujarat CM as the Prime Ministerial candidate, irrespective of fears about polarisation in the minority community against the party.
“I agree an unfortunate incident has taken place (in Gujarat). Who does not agree that it was unfortunateIJ But, attempts were made to blame Narendra Modi as if the riots were planned by the Chief Minister,” Singh said at the party function.
Singh said during his personal interactions with Modi, he tries to read his facial expressions. “He looks so sad (about the blame game). What is wrong with peopleIJ Is it politicsIJ” he asked.
At its Goa conclave in June, the BJP anointed Modi as the chief of party’s campaign committee for the national election at the cost of losing a valuable ally in Janata Dal (United) from Bihar.
With JD(U) invoking ‘secularism’ to part ways with the BJP and the Congress looking for a Modi versus the rest election, a section of the BJP is wary of the electoral impact that polarisation amongst Muslim voters would cause.
This seemed to be the most vocal argument from those who are not in favour of Modi’s projection as the PM candidate. Others argue, Modi’s presence would make the difference for the BJP.
Eyeing a comeback in States like Uttar Pradesh and improving its tally in Bihar — the two States with sizeable minority votes — the BJP intends to showcase the performance of party-ruled States and also the fact that there has not been any other riots under Modi.
Singh highlighted that Muslim have got a fair deal under BJP Governments in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and others. He took pride in the fact that six Ministers in Goa Government belong to the minority community.
"I want to say if there is any issue, if there is some confusion, then we can find a solution by talking to each other. When there is no scope to talk to each other, then problems (gadbad) can arise...Wherever there is a mistake, we will correct it," Singh said seeking to reach out to the Muslims ahead of the lok Sabha elections due next year.
Singh also used the occasion to lash out at Congress, accusing it of adopting the Britishers' "divide & rule" policy.
BJP vice president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the party would soon come out with a vision document on minority empowerment which would elaborate its stand on education, security and prosperity of the minorities as also their participation in governance.
"Our particular focus is on the socio-economic and political empowerment. If we come to power at the Centre, we will bring out an action taken report detailing the promises made to minorities of the country. I know that the vision document will not change the outlook of the Muslims towards the BJP but we have to make an honest effort from our side," Naqvi said.