Uttarakhand Congress, which had announced on Wednesday that they will boycott the Uttarakhand visit of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, has decided not to protest Modi visit on Thursday.
Instead of protest, Congress has declared him (Modi) as State guest. This was claimed by State PCC spokesperson Dhirendra Pratap while talking to The Pioneer on Thursday. They have, it appears, taken lesson from ex-Speaker Harbans Kapur, who warned the Congress not to boycott Modi’s visit because any insult to Modi would eclipse the prospects of the party in the upcoming civic body polls slated for April 28.
Talking to the Pioneer, Kapur said that despite knowing the fact that Modi has emerged as the most popular leader in the country and his development model is being appreciated not only in the country but all over the world, the Congress’ decision to boycott his visit to Uttarakhand is very unfortunate. He further said that it reflects the party’s frustration at the growing popularity of the Gujarat Chief Minister and its narrow-mindedness.
Condemning Congress’ remarks that Modi is a "symbol of communalism," Kapur warned the party not to forget the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in which some of its prominent leaders are facing trial. Modi is coming to Haridwar on April 26 to attend a programme organised by famous Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali Yogpeeth.
Talking to The Pioneer, Dhirendra said "In Devbhoomi, (Uttarakhand) we welcome our guest so we decided to welcome him. Although he could not answer how a man become State guest within 24 hours. It seems the party has taken lessons from Kapur’s warning.