Narendra Modi in mind, Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde had advised VIPs not to visit flood-hit Uttarakhand, which the Gujarat Chief Minister had conveniently ignored. With Gandhi scion Rahul Gandhi visiting the State thereafter, as Shinde faced flak, especially from BJP, he made a U-turn on Wednesday saying anyone, including Modi, could go to the rain-ravaged State now as the situation has changed there.
“I had advised VIPs not to travel Uttarakhand as situation then was different. At that time rescue and relief operations were going on in full swing. The advice was for only three-four days. But now situation has changed. Anyone can go there. Even Modi can go,” he told reporters.
Shinde was responding to a question about Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Uttarakhand despite his request to VIPs. As Modi was all set to undertake an aerial survey of flood-hit areas Shinde had said such visits created difficulties in relief and rescue operations. “We advise all VIPs not to visit Uttarakhand now,” he had maintained.
The Home Minister had even said that if any VIP does not listen to the advice, he may not be given landing permission in Uttarakhand. His remarks came even as Chief Minister of Congress-ruled Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot had undertaken an aerial survey.