Modi starts 3-day fast for ’harmony’ on Saturday

Mtoday news / CNN-IBN

Ahmedabad, Sept 13:  Narendra Modi has announced that he will begin a three-day fast on Saturday, which is also his birthday. He says he wants to "promote social harmony."

 

 

In his note, the Chief Minister of Gujarat also refers to the Supreme Court verdict delivered yesterday that has been hailed by both him and his party, the BJP, as a vindication. Three Supreme Court judges did not take a position on whether there’s enough evidence to merit Mr Modi’s trial for his alleged role in the Gujarat riots of 2002, when 200 people were killed, most of them Muslims.  The Supreme Court has said it’s up to a trial court in Gujarat to study the evidence and charges against Mr Modi. Zakia Jafri, whose husband and former Congress MP Ehsan Jafri was set on fire during the riots, has accused the Chief Minister of ensuring assistance was not provided to those being attacked.

In his note today Mr Modi said, "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... But one thing is certain...that the credibility of those who have been spreading lies and defaming Gujarat has come to its lowest ebb."