Last July, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi threw a challenge to all his opponents that if he was found guilty of collusion in the 2002 Gujarat riots, then he should be hanged in public. Modi is widely blamed for his role (or inaction) during the riots for turning a blind eye, giving free hand to rioters for several days, good enough to murder thousands of people and destroy businesses and properties of the minority community. So far, he has refused to apologize for riots; instead he has blamed those asking for apology, are fanning trouble and hatred. In the backdrop of clean chit given to Modi by the Supreme Court’ Special Investigation Team, received the news that former BJP minster Maya Kodnani has been held guilty in the Naroda Patiya massacre case. She is the first MLA to be convicted for murder, conspiracy and for provoking riots in the worst ever massacre in Indian history.
Perhaps hangman’ knot is slowly getting tightened around Modi’s neck; so far it’s a matter of moral responsibility, one day a direct responsibility may also be proved against him. Till then, we need to keep track of Modi’s vow to be hanged in public if found guilty.
MASOOD KHAN
Jubail, Saudi Arabia
