http://www.thehindu.com/
... All the perfumes of ArabiaMarkandey Katju
AP
Eighteen people were allegedly burned alive in this house in Gulmarg colony in Ahmedabad during the 2002 violence.
People clamouring for Narendra Modi should realise the only policy which can take India on the path of progress is equal respect and treatment for all communities Narendra Modi is being projected by a large section of Indians as the modern Moses, the one who will lead the beleaguered and despondent Indian people into a land of milk and honey, the man who is best suited to be the next Indian Prime Minister. And it is not just the Bharatiya Janata Party and RSS who are saying this at the Kumbh Mela. A large section of the Indian so-called ‘educated’ class, including many of our ‘educated’ youth, who have been carried away by Mr. Modi’s propaganda is saying this. I was flying from Delhi to Bhopal recently. Sitting beside me was a Gujarati businessman. I asked him his opinion of Mr. Modi. He was all praise for him. I interjected and asked him about the killing of nearly 2,000 Muslims in 2002 in Gujarat. He replied that Muslims were always creating problems in Gujarat, but after 2002 they have been put in their place and there is peace since then in the State. I told him this is the peace of the graveyard, and peace can never last long unless it is coupled with justice. At this remark he took offence and changed his seat on the plane. The truth today is that Muslims in Gujarat are terrorised and afraid that if they speak out against the horrors of 2002 they may be attacked and victimised. In the whole of India, Muslims (who number over 200 million) are solidly against Mr. Modi (though there are a handful of Muslims who for some reason disagree). Dubious spontaneity It is claimed by Modi supporters that what happened in Gujarat was only a ‘spontaneous’ reaction (pratikriya) of Hindus to the killing of 59 Hindus on a train in Godhra. I do not buy this story. First, there is still mystery as to what exactly happened in Godhra. Secondly, the particular persons who were responsible for the Godhra killings should certainly be identified and given harsh punishment, but how does this justify the attack on the entire Muslim community in Gujarat? Muslims are only 9 per cent of the total population of Gujarat, the rest being mostly Hindus. In 2002 Muslims were massacred, their homes burnt, and other horrible crimes committed on them. To call the killings of Muslims in 2002 a spontaneous reaction reminds one of Kristallnacht in Germany in November 1938, when the entire Jewish community in Germany was attacked, many killed, their synagogues burnt, shops vandalised after a German diplomat in Paris was shot dead by a Jewish youth whose family had been persecuted by the Nazis. It was claimed by the Nazi government that this was only a ‘spontaneous’ reaction, but in fact it was planned and executed by the Nazi authorities using fanatic mobs. In terms of historical evolution, India is broadly a country of immigrants and consequently, it is a land of tremendous diversity. Hence, the only policy which can hold it together and put it on the path of progress is secularism — equal respect and treatment to all communities and sects. This was the policy of the great Emperor Akbar, which was followed by our founding fathers (Pandit Nehru and his colleagues) who gave us a secular Constitution. Unless we follow this policy, our country cannot survive for one day, because it has so much diversity, so many religions, castes, languages, ethnic groups. India, therefore, does not belong to Hindus alone; it belongs equally to Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Parsees, Jains etc. Also, it is not only Hindus who can live in India as first-rate citizens while others have to live as second or third rate citizens. All are first-rate citizens here. The killing of thousands of Muslims and other atrocities on them in Gujarat in 2002 can never be forgotten or forgiven. All the perfumes in Arabia cannot wash away the stain on Mr. Modi in this connection. It is said by his supporters that Mr. Modi had no hand in the killings, and it is also said that he had not been found guilty by any court of law. I do not want to comment on our judiciary, but I certainly do not buy the story that Mr. Modi had no hand in the events of 2002. He was the Chief Minister of Gujarat at the time when horrible events happened on such a large scale. Can it be believed that he had no hand in them? At least I find this impossible to believe. Let me give just one example. Ehsan Jafri was a respected, elderly former Member of Parliament living in the Chamanpura locality of Ahmedabad in Gujarat. His house was in the Gulbarga Housing Society, where mostly Muslims lived. According to the recorded version of his elderly wife Zakia, on February 28, 2002 a mob of fanatics blew up the security wall of the housing society using gas cylinders. They dragged Ehsan Jafri out of his house, stripped him, chopped off his limbs with swords and burnt him alive. Many other Muslims were also killed and their houses burnt. Chamanpura is barely a kilometre from a police station, and less than two kilometres from the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner’s office. Is it conceivable that the Chief Minister did not know what was going on? Zakia Jafri has since then been running from pillar to post to get justice for her husband who was so brutally murdered. Her criminal case against Mr. Modi was thrown out by the district court (since the Special Investigation Team appointed by the Supreme Court found no evidence against him and filed a final report), and it is only now (after a gap of over 10 years) that the Supreme Court has set aside the order of the trial court and directed that her protest petition be considered. I am not going into this matter any further since it is still sub judice. Mr. Modi has claimed that he has developed Gujarat. It is therefore necessary to consider the meaning of ‘development’. To my mind development can have only one meaning, and that is raising the standard of living of the masses. Giving concessions to big industrial houses, and offering them cheap land and cheap electricity can hardly be called development if it does not raise the standard of living of the masses. Questionable progress Today, 48 per cent of Gujarati children are malnourished, which is a higher rate of malnourishment than the national average. In Gujarat, there is a high infant mortality rate, high women’s maternity death rate, and 57 per cent poverty rate in tribal areas, and among Scheduled Castes/Backward Castes. As stated by Ramachandra Guha in his recent article in The Hindu (“The man who would rule India”, February 8) environmental degradation is rising, educational standards are falling, and malnutrition among children is abnormally high. More than a third of adult men in Gujarat have a body mass index of less than 18.5 — the seventh worst in the country. A UNDP report in 2010 has placed Gujarat after eight other Indian States in multiple dimensions of development: health, education, income levels, etc. Business leaders no doubt claim that Mr. Modi has created a business friendly environment in Gujarat, but are businessmen the only people in India? I appeal to the people of India to consider all this if they are really concerned about the nation’s future. Otherwise they may make the same mistake which the Germans made in 1933. (Markandey Katju, a former judge of the Supreme Court, is Chairman of the Press Council of India) Keywords: Narendra Modi, 2002 Gujarat communal violence, Narendra Modi government, religious freedom, Markandey Katju, Zakia Jafri RELATED NEWSKatju appears to be more Congress than Congress: Jaitley A stunning verdict Counting wrongly to 2014 No cakewalk for Narendra Modi 2002 riots an ‘internal Gujarati matter’: Modi told American diplomat
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I completely agree with 'thiru' "Whoever says his/her GOD is the only TRUE GOD and all the other GODS are false-- is threat in itself to the WHOLE WORLD . All the secular countries of the WORLD should come together to take head on Religious fanatics !! If necessary all the OLD BOOKS should be rewritten to reduce the conflicts in the name of GOD. Religion is a private affair!! DO NOT MIX RELIGION and POLITICS!! Very well said!!!
from:
Priyanka Bhardwaj
Posted on: Feb 17, 2013 at 11:37 IST
I feel very sorry for Katju. Poor article with low vision and totally prejudiced. Why restrict the caste absurdity only to Gujarat, it is there every where in the country. I am not saying what happened in Gujarat is correct. Your article creates more madness than the actual incident. How could u call a person "Gujarati". He is a "Indian" residing in Gujarat. You should have said businessman from Gujarat. Brits created divide and rule and people like you make most out of it.
from:
Sumesh Bhat
Posted on: Feb 17, 2013 at 00:15 IST
What the author faced during his Bhopal journey, I have witnessed several fellow passengers from a journey from Mumbai to Nagpur bound train few months before as they speak in volume about the Gujarath model development and Modi as its designer and manager. The heading of this article is appropriate in all respect. Modi and his supporters can not wash their sin even they use the entire perfumes of Arabya. The author deserves appreciation for the sincere narration of the horrible truth that sent the waves of worry among human hearts through out the world. The BBC report still sounds in my ear with fear " communal riot broack out in the western Indian state of Gujarath after the burning of a train carrying pilgrims" with a picture of a youth with folded hands and tears.
from:
Appade Rajeevan
Posted on: Feb 16, 2013 at 23:08 IST
I salute Justice Katju for his frank and bold views on riots of Gujarat in 2002. His views may not be liked by many because, truth is always bitter but truth shall prevail one day ultimately. "Satyamay Vajayatay". India is surviving as a democratic and secular country, because, there are thousands and lakhs of silent people in India, who uphold justice and humaneness in the same way as Justice Katju. The difference is Justice Katju has come out openly and others are silent. The article of Justice Katju gives hope and courage to the people to live, who have been frightened by the 2002 riots of Gujarat. SHAIK KHALEEL RAHMAN
from:
SHAIK KHALEEL RAHMAN
Posted on: Feb 16, 2013 at 20:32 IST
Yes i completely agree with Mr.Katju. Every Indian should think on this what ever community he/she belongs to. A Common Hindu and Muslim , Cristian of country wants to leave together with Brother hood.
from:
rayees
Posted on: Feb 16, 2013 at 20:28 IST
from:
thiru
Posted on: Feb 16, 2013 at 15:48 IST
Justice Markandeya Katju has clearly pointed out that Narendra Modi is not a secular person and is the fit person to become the prime minister of this great and diverse country.Moreover his development in Gujarat is completely based on corporate interests and he has not brought any change in the real and that is the rural India which shows he will be a disaster in Delhi.
from:
Nithin Pradeep
Posted on: Feb 16, 2013 at 13:59 IST
Exactly ! People clamouring for Narendra Modi WANT equal respect and treatment for all communities ! That's why they want NaMo !! These people are fed up with appeasement of Muslims, particularly for Vote Bank politics. Markendey Katju has used the term: 'All the perfumes of Arabia'. Does Arabia give equal respect and treatment to all communities ? ha ha ha Appeasement of Muslims means communalism ! Indian seculars are worst communal people of this world, and cancerous cells in the body of the Indian society. Their secularism means appeasement of Muslims and derogation of Bhartiya sanskriti ( Hindu). Hindusim is the only real secular thought in the world. For a common Hindu, accepting and respecting Mohammad and Jesus is a normal thing. Its very rare to find Muslims respecting Krishna, and its very rare to find a Hindu not respecting Mohammad n Jesus ! Hindus are most tolerant society. But now they are being compelled to tolerate even INTOLERANCE ! NOPE ! This will not continue.
from:
Yashendra
Posted on: Feb 16, 2013 at 12:14 IST
As the saying goes: "No matter is settled until it is settled right". If we blithely accept the carnage in Gujarat against Muslims, and also the carnage in Delhi against Sikhs, we are not an evolved nation. The author is right, we are no better than the Germans against the jews. Do you know what Rajiv Gandhi said after the Delhi riots, when he called the military for help? "It took just 50 seconds to call out the army". If PM Modi had wanted, he could have called the military for help, knowing that the riots would happen. Rather than that when the MLA, who was killed in the riots, called him for help, no help was given. Our conscience should be our guide, imagine what Gandhi would have said if he heard about this? Probably he is crying silently.
from:
Kumar
Posted on: Feb 16, 2013 at 10:33 IST
In an economically very uneven societies,society is bound to suffer injustices particularly when all over the world there are such happenings due to a variety of inequties.Gujarath and the rest of India, are no different. It is sickening to find to go on talking of this endlessly.
from:
G. Narayanaswamy
Posted on: Feb 16, 2013 at 07:37 IST
Continuing..Even if I blame Mr. Narendra Modi of things I wrote earlier, I still believe he is very much capable of getting the country out of present mess. As the only wrong (as per me) he did was to ignore what was happening in Gujrat post Godhra, and from here on if anyone who is going to be extra cautious/active in situaltions like this, is him. Don't think he is ever going to make this mistake again. Bcoz intellectuals (?) of Mr. Markandey and his kind are going to be caught napping bcoz as per them Riots shouldn't hv occurred post-Godhra (that too in a contry where many riots have occurred due to petty things).. laughable. Mr. Narendra must be punished if he was ignorant of his duties as CM, if found guilty. Right now I think he is "Andhon me kana raja". As of now my vote is for him. Any question? Anyone?
from:
Tilak
Posted on: Feb 16, 2013 at 07:28 IST
Continuing..Now I agree even though riots post-Godhra was expected (unfortunate but I am sorry to say it was very much on the cards), the state machinery should have been on a high alert to stop any further unrest. Even though the state could not have been in total control intially, the situation should not have been this worse. And if Mr. Narendra could be blamed of anything, it was turning of his back against what was going on in Gujrat post-Godhra. He failed there. A CM of a state has no right to get emotional (on what happended in Godhra) and should not hv looked the other way. The state CM must not have given "Action-Reaction" theory (even though in this country it is nothing but a truth) as its just unethical coming from a CM's mouth.
from:
Tilak
Posted on: Feb 16, 2013 at 07:26 IST
I thought the statement should be "India equally belong to Hindus as well and not just to the minorities (so called)". This doesn't seems to be the case in India. On riots: This country is standing on a heap of RDX. Riots, unfortunately, can also happen on very petty issue like using of water (from storage belonging to group A) by a person of group B. So if anyone who didn't expect riots, after post Godhra, is living in fools paradise. This country, though secular, has failed to bring people from different groups together even after 60+ years of independence. And many loud mouth take pride in India's unity in diversity thing which is a myth.
from:
Tilak
Posted on: Feb 16, 2013 at 07:25 IST
Mr Katju should check his facts first 790 Muslims and 254 Hindus were killed in Gujarat riots not 2000 as he insinuates. Also how come no one speaks up for Kashmiri Pandits and how they have been brutalized and systematically cleansed in the valley. No one speaks about the 3000 Sikhs snuffed out in Delhi and how continuing violence in South Bengal by illegal immigrants is never reported in our media. If this is not intellectual dishonesty, what is ?
from:
Chandrasekhar
Posted on: Feb 16, 2013 at 05:57 IST
Mr. Katju, if industrial progress is not the way to progress, then what is your suggestion? You are silent on that. People from judiciary should not comment on corporate, as the efficiency of judiciary in India is the biggest question mark, which you have yourself acknowledged in your article. Unfortunately, the state in which India is, Industrial progress is the only benchmark of progress and the only hope India has is corporates doing something for the masses, even if they are doing it for profit.
from:
Abhinav
Posted on: Feb 16, 2013 at 04:39 IST
In reference to the Indian judiciary not finding any evidence of Mr.
Modi's involvement, the former Supreme Court Judge has this to say "Can
it be believed that he had no hand in them? At least I find this
impossible to believe." Whatever his personal perception of the incident
itself and the post incident climate in Gujarat, a country possessed of
the Rule of Law does not run its affairs on the whims of the group who
shouts loudest or succumbs to the 'mob'. If the Supreme Court supervised
SIT is not sufficient for the former Judge, one can only remind him of
the basic tenant of our legal system- no man is guilty until proven in a
court of law.
Further, if the Apex court supervised committee of investigators has indeed found no evidence of Mr. Modi's alleged role in the riots, it is utterly irresponsible for Mr. Katju to undermine our constitutional system of checks and balances with sensational comparisons to Nazi atrocities.
from:
Dr. Iyer
Posted on: Feb 16, 2013 at 03:17 IST
Sir, Please Tell me not whom not to vote, tell me whom to vote. I guess Change is a boot strapping process, sometimes we have to choose lesser of the two evils. Corruption and political inaction are gargantuan problems affecting our immediate survival and modi's gujrat looks least susceptible to it among bigger states. In hierarchy of needs security is a privilege compared to physiological need of food and water. The faceless victims of corruption also need justice. Though actions of modi can never be condoned, he may not be the only wolf on prowl but he does appears to hunt less frequently. The blood stains of riots and murders is in congress camp also. Given the choice the public has in 2014, electing modi may not be such bad idea as it is often potrayed.
from:
Dayanand
Posted on: Feb 16, 2013 at 02:55 IST
Gujarat progressed and Modi has ideas which no leader has demonstrated. Stop lying and whining about riots. The dynasty was involved in Sikh pogrom and you all support with no shame and conviction. Modi has been prosecuted and persecuted with willing judges, CBI and corrupt central Govt. Still, they could not find evidence to convict him. You must be feeling depressed that the institution of judiciary has not been destroyed enough to convict Modi without evidence. The India population needs Development and the current jokers have no clue other than creating divisions just like you. The people can't stand incompetence, grand corruption and appeal to caste, communal divisions.
from:
Vivek
Posted on: Feb 16, 2013 at 02:30 IST
dear mr katju, Kindly do a simple google search. Hindu Muslim riots in Gujarat. It may interest you that Gujarat has a history of riots , the last of which are the ones that bother you so much. What bothers you more is perhaps that since those riots none have taken place in Gujarat. Disharmony is a natural bye product of diverse people living together. Progress that is largely inclusive is rare. Give the man a chance. People in govt jobs with fixed salaries and pensions tend to forget that large private sector investments generate jobs for thousands. Mr modi has got the nonsense out of the way and has focused on the stuff that matters. Gujarat has voted thrice for this mandate. Give the man his due.
from:
Rohan Guptan
Posted on: Feb 16, 2013 at 02:22 IST
What happened in Gujarat was wrong, both in Godhara and following events no doubt about that. But people should stop taking side of one religion. Nobody ever makes any comments about the Hindus displaced from Kashmir. This can happen only in India that majority hidus are forced out of their homes, businesses and massacred but nobody says anything. Every person shoudld have equal rights irrespective of their religion, region or economic conditions. Life is equally valuable for everyone where he is a hindu or muslim just because muslims are minority shouldn't make their lives more valuable.
from:
Sagar
Posted on: Feb 16, 2013 at 01:38 IST
GSPC gas has improved people lifestyle a lot.(Though still in my maternal uncle's home wood is used as they get it from their fruit orchard but they use PNG now for cooking mostly).Many people have used Govt. funds to built pacca houses before I use to see many(atleast 20) kutchaa houses but now I can only see 2 Kutchaa houses(houses not having brick wall and proper roof of concrete or that naliyas(that slanting roof with tiles made from mud or ceramics not getting word for it)) in my village if this is not improving of lifestyle I dont know what qualifies for better lifestyle.This has worked for all forward thinking people in Hindu and Muslim Communities as I know Muslims who are supporting Modi for his work.Also please be balanced while giving your views on riots as both Congress and BJP have riots history on their name and both are Hitler in your language and not eligible to rule country if we are out to make comparison.
from:
Mehul
Posted on: Feb 16, 2013 at 01:13 IST
Also regarding standard of living of people in Gujarat please come to some Rural area of Gujarat and see yourself and ask anyone how much their standard of living has improved.Let me give example of my village only before there was no proper electricity in my village low voltage and frequent power cuts were there,Roads were not that great.Now Roads are great actually its funny to say this but conditions of road connecting my village to NH 8 is better in terms of smoothness than NH8 itself roads are not six lane but three lane(space for three trucks to run simultaneously) but it is much smoother.Electricity dont know when had dinner without electricity last time in village or my city both in Gujarat atleast since 2006-7. I guess till I remember.This electricity and roads are for both Hindus and Muslims to use(electricity is there unless you pay bills no free electricity). My area villages are served by piped gas from GSPC even many have gobar gas plant....Continued
from:
Mehul
Posted on: Feb 16, 2013 at 01:00 IST
I think Justice Katju requires to enlighten himself on Gujarat and 2002, muslims and hindus both died in riots not just one sided killing to start with and if you find any proof of that action reaction thing said by Modi then please give it to court as this wasn't proved that Modi said that.Regarding environmental degradation I am a Gujarati and know what was pollution level before and after Modi in Gujarat one thing I can guarantee that Modi didn't increase environmental degradation actually he curbed it to some extent,Congress and earlier CM polluted Ankleshwar and Vapi which are in fertile region belt now it is somewhat under control and situation is improving.Regarding education and malnutrition you are talking like India is in a very good position overall.Lastly you are head of Press Council of India and a former judge so respect our judiciary and dont be biased even when reporting or presenting opinion on any one.
from:
Mehul
Posted on: Feb 16, 2013 at 00:48 IST
The article would have made some sense if the author had provided some credible real and good alternatives to Modi, general statements on qualities of prime minister or leader will not make sense to the contemporary Indian youths. If so called secularists are so afraid of Modi coming to power, comparing now with Hitler then why didn't they question the so called secularists policy of corruption, communal appeasement politics, no uniform civil code, shameless scams and non governance particularly in last one decade. It reminds me of economic situation in Germany before Hitler. If Bhimsacharya's of current India keep quiet for politics of duryodhana's then god(now people) will have no option but to support Pandavas. Some see Aravind Kejriwal as Pandva and some Narendra Modi. But Modi has track record on corruption and scam free governance. Finally we are in 21st century, comparing Modi or BJP with Hitler or Nazi is laughable, with heavily inter connected and dependent world and people.
from:
prasbad
Posted on: Feb 16, 2013 at 00:08 IST
Firstly, one has to consider Justice Katju's official position in public life. As the Chairman of the Press Council of India, he has a mandate to oversee the conduct of the Press. His first duty is to this function: besides a considerable amount of 'noise' against broadcasters, state governments & even the public at large- there has been little to show for actual change during his tenure at the PCI. Indeed, as his days as its Chairman drag on, most have come to learn to ignore his random, aimless, sensational 'interventions' in public life. It would appear now he is determined to undermine his only 'standing' with the public- that is, his distinguished career in the Judiciary. It is upon this essential pillar of our democracy, we as a nation stand fearless in front of any tyrant (real or imagined) and incidentally where Justice Katju has made his mark. Now, outside of its service, his utterances threaten the rule of law by undermining the authority of the same court he served.
from:
Swapna Thambha
Posted on: Feb 16, 2013 at 00:00 IST
My only humble submission is a couple of points: Justice Katju almost gave his verdict about Mr Modi and then says "matter is still sub-judice". We have a former justice of SC that doesnt believe in India judiciary. Secondly, India is a land of immigrants where everyone (except adivasis) is from outside, is a very misleading argument. This is pseudo-science at best. Firstly, not only Aryan Invasion Theory has failed genetics research of recent years, but the very origin of homo-sapiens (their link with homo erectus, neanderthals etc) is poorly understood. When people say outsiders, they generally mean to denote a culture/civilization. As per latest science, there is no reason to believe that India imported the culture. Hindusim after all was just a culture, given suitable names by outsiders.
from:
Shashank
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 23:40 IST
Much as I expected you did not carry my comments.And we talk of 'freedom of speech'!
from:
J.S. Acharya
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 22:57 IST
"Religion is the opium of the people "BJP tried to encash Hindu votes on this concept.But nothing worked in their favour and projected Advani as" PM in waiting " He is still waiting ....in the last election.Now Modi is projected as PM.In fact all minorities are the deciding factor in every election . Voters are becoming mature it is proved In Tripura good percentage have exercised their voting rights. Politicians cannot continue to cheat the electorate for ever.
from:
Samson Aseervatham
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 22:22 IST
What happened after Godhra is called guilt by association and collective punishment. This was the ancient way in which tribes and nations avenged perceived cruelties by punishing the entire tribe. This was a time when a persons individual identity was nothing except that of the tribe. Such thinking has no place in today's global and educated society. However this is the mentality of adherents of certain groups like AlQaeda, Taliban, Bajrang Dal etc who thrive on hate. AlQaeda have justified the evil acts of 9/11 with this twisted logic. I'm sure Indian masses would thoroughly reject this narrow mindset which punishes individuals like Mr Jaffry for the perceived faults of the group to which he belongs without any due legal process. Even if a prime minister provides good economic leadership the faults with Modi's philosophy far outweigh the benefits and would set the norm for coming generations and decades. He may get support in Gujarat but its impossible in the rest of India.
from:
Mohammad Syed
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 22:11 IST
Very disappointing article! Wish there were more facts than fiction in the story. While everyone in India believes in unity, it is articles such as these that cast differences. It is very important to douse the communal fire that is spreading across the country. The author has conveniently forgotten various communal outrages in the country, specially in the Congress ruled States.
from:
Mythraeyi
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 22:10 IST
Just like 1984 Sikh riot, the Godhra carnage is a bitter past. However, the hard working and self respecting Gujaraties have moved forward in all the spheres and as a result of the proactive, transparent and responsive leadership provided by Narendra Modi in his last more than 10 year long reign, development has replaced communal discord in Gujarat. Those who believe and follow pseudo secular policy can only term that emergence of Narendra Modi as BJP’s pre-eminent leader for the 16th Lok Sabha election due in 2014 could vitiate political climate. BJP leadership may not be sure of whether to pick Narendra Modi as its prime ministerial candidate, but the Gujarat Chief Minister is depositing a series of endorsements for their consideration. He was re-elected in December for his fourth consecutive term as chief minister; the European Union confirmed last week that it has ended the boycott that began after the Gujarat riots of 2002; and the winning streak is continuing. BJP swept the recently concluded local elections winning 47 of 75 municipal corporations across the state. BJP’s emphatic victory including 24 Muslim candidates in Muslim dominated Salaya municipality in the Jamnagar district of Saurashtra, where 90 per cent of the population is Muslim and a total wash out for the congress which was in power for decades together is a slap on the face of all those pseudo secularists, the real thorn in flush of the Nation. When Gujarat is getting loud applauds from international bodies leading business journals like international brokerage house CLSA, Economist, TIME Brookings Institution, Financial Times and USA Congressional Think Tank are praising Gujarat‘s growth trajectory, it should be our endeavor to extend a helping hand to Modi, the King of Transparent, Responsive and Good Governance to create new milestones and take Gujarat to newer heights. Confining Narendra Modi in Gujarat state itself even after his sterling performance unleashed in Gujarat for more than one decade now will be a grave injustice and definitely not in the interest of the country. Whether the author likes it or not Modi has to play a greater role in the National politics and he is a strong contender for the coveted post of Prime Minister in 2014 election not by default or dynasty politics but because of his unstinted hard work. No doubt, Narendra Modi is our pride and neighbors envy including pseudo secularists of this country.
from:
Ettirankandath Krishnadas
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 22:08 IST
Thank you Hindu for publishing this article.
from:
Ravichandran
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 21:40 IST
Higly condemnable article form Mr.Katju(being a higly educated and respected ex-justice).I didn't get his point.Is he trying to project Mr Rahul Gandhi as the right person to govern india?He has every right to take a stand but THE HINDU has no right to publish such articles which can influence the prospecting voters.I hope THE HINDU will be publish another counterpart for the same article.Hope good sense prevails and let voter decide whom they want to see as prime minister.The kind of coverge and intensity with which Godra riots are raised every now and then ; i wonder whether it was the only case where people got killed in riots.How about sikh's riots? why dont we raise them in a similar manner?
from:
Vivek Singh
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 21:36 IST
Justice Katju has put the whole issue in its proper perspective. This edifice of development is straddled over the dead bodies of a few thousand innocent people who had no part in the burning train. Is this what democracy all about. Is this what any sane person in the country looks forward to? Are we to elect a butcher who sent his marauders to commit carnage in the streets of a civilian society. In what way is Mr. Modi different from Adolf Hitler? The political function of rights is precisely to protect minorities from oppression by majorities. Oh yes, we hear the same old story time & again that Mr. Modi was elected 3 times & so he should be the right choice for the PM's post. The voice of the majority is no proof of justice. Sure Fifty-one percent of a nation can establish a totalitarian regime, suppress minorities and still remain democratic. Let's hope that the coalition dharma which is the existing norm keeps out this tyrant from heading this great nation.
from:
Yunus Sait
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 21:34 IST
The truth is that Gujarat is providing an inclusive growth to everyone; Modi didn’t bring any policy directed at Hindus specifically. The truth is that this fact is accepted by even Muslims of Gujarat, but the tragedy is that when a Muslim praises Modi he is persecuted heavily by other Muslims and so-called intellectuals like Mr. Katju. This is what happened to a few Muslim leaders in Bihar and this is what happened to Mr. Vastanvi when he was removed from his post in Darul Uloom. On what basis Mr. Katju is saying that Muslim are terrorized and afraid in Gujarat, is he a better authority and voice of Muslims than a Gujrati Muslim and a prominent Islamic scholar like Mr. Vastanvi ? Mr. Katju also mentions that Muslims are afraid to speak out against the horrors of 2002, he is simply ignoring the fact that not only Gujrati Muslims but whole India, many social- activists and media is fighting to get the justice for the victims of 2002 riots and it is being done continuously and commend
from:
Sauveer
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 21:34 IST
living in Gujarat from past one year has given me atleast enough experience that I can partly accept what author has said. That part is actually basic Human necessities are not as par what is expected from Gujarat. BUT it is also true that Muslims or any other Minority is not terrorized here...They are also living peacefully... Author should have seen ground realities before saying anything about this sensitive issue. Also in purview of protecting minority rights...basic human rights of Majority cant be subjugated. That's what we as a nation have to understand.
from:
Abhinav
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 20:08 IST
First and foremost, why is everybody raising the issue of Gujarat riots 2002 now again? Just because Mr. Modi is gaining power and some people can not just digest it?? Mr. Modi had ruled Gujarat since year 2001. If he was guilty, why could't it be proved? And if he was guilty, why was he allowed to rule the state for so long? Why all of a sudden the questions of his involvement has arised? Only because some say he is a strong candidate for an important post? Its time that people should accept realities. To those who think that Gujarat has such numerous numbers malnutritioned and all, Check the trend of a decade and you will see that yes there is a difference inn the number now, and then. Secondly if Mr Katju does not have faith in Justice of India, who do you think is responsible? He himself has been a part of the Judiciary. Why did he not look into this matter himself in his tenure? Why all of a sudden now he is raising questions about it? Wake up every one!!!
from:
Kanika Tiwari
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 19:43 IST
Markandey Katju's has made a brave effort to change public opinion - but that won't work. Mr Katju may be an eminent judge, but that does not necessarily mean that his opinions about Narendra Modi should be right. If he believes in equality and justice, why is there no mention of the Delhi riots, after Indira Gandhi's assassination? Why is there no talk of the "spontaneous reaction" by goons and thugs, who murdered hundreds, if not thousands of Sikhs in Delhi and elsewhere? Mr. Katju should remember that his opinion is less important than the collective will of the people. If they decide that they can put aside the riots of 2002 and want Narendra Modi as the prime minister, so be it. Mr Katju would do well to keep his expertise to the field of law, and not insult the intelligence of the voting public. With due respect to Mr Katju as an eminent judge, I believe that the voting public does not need his advice about whom to vote for.
from:
Mohan Narayanan
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 19:35 IST
the former judge is so biased. God save judiciary from these biased souls.
from:
Amaruvi Devanathan
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 19:13 IST
I am not competent or ‘equipped’ to comment on the observations made by Justice Katju. But, I claim to have the common sense to understand the significance of the content of this article in the context of the catastrophic phase India is going through today. Right from the President of India to the youngest voter who will be casting his/her vote in 2014 Election owe a responsibility to take note of this. One can disagree with certain views. But the issues of disparity, disrespect to basic features of Constitution which is evident in the body language of people who are responsible to uphold the Constitution need to be addressed. The observations in the concluding few paragraphs mutatis mutandis apply to the whole of India including geographical areas like Kerala, Haryana or even Delhi for that matter. The eruptions we have witnessed in the recent past are only symptoms of the deep-rooted malignancy and time is running out for a comprehensive correction.
from:
M.G. Warrier
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 18:46 IST
The riots of 2002 proved that either Mr. Modi was responsible for the ghastly acts or he was incompetent enough to bring it under control. If he claims that he was not the part of the pogrom then this is a serious question about the level of the competency he is possessing. The leader who pays no heed to the minorities of his state ; how can he be expected to perform as a prime minister of a nation with so many diversities , with a large number of minorities.If he can't treat one single minority of the state properly, how can the citizenry be assured that he will lead the all minorities and the aspirations and ideals of those minorities will be fulfilled. This is a BIG QUESTION . The people of India have to be very cautious in 2014 elections as development is not everything as businessmen are not the only class of people.This top most position of the country has to be with a sensible,pro-minority,pro-
from:
Mohit Kumar
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 18:36 IST
Markandey Katju’s attack on Narendra Modi (‘All the perfumes of Arabia’, The Hindu, Feb.15) seems highly untimely and irrelevant. The 2002 Gujarat killings and development of the State, both under the Chief Minister-ship of Modi have been under discussion for about ten years now at the highest levels of political diplomacy. This looks no ideal time to mount a fresh attack on Modi, particularly after the Assembly and Municipal elections which went in favour of BJP. The author himself has stated that ‘it is not only BJP and RSS, but a large section of the Indian educated class is carried away by Modi’s propaganda. His seemingly fictitious story of his talk with a Gujarat businessman, his statistics on progress of the State from unknown sources and his own dis-belief on the real concerns of the people all show his incapacity to counter the Modi- propaganda.
from:
P R V Raja
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 18:19 IST
There is no harm in buying Arabic Perfumes provided the choice of the buyer is free, fair, transparent and not fixed to one Perfume. Business Presentation of Modi as a single good governance perfume in response to the fear of indiscipline in the market forces is a clear match fixing by rulers and political service promoters. We must not forget that the market and business use religion only as an excuse. Business lobby is more hidden choice less deciding factor to display `Modi` and `One Perfume brand` as a `successful tool` in the voters shop window.
from:
Rakesh Manchanda
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 18:02 IST
From an intellect like Mr. Katju, it is expected to have a balanced
view. On one hand, he has irrationally compared Modi with Hitler, on the
other hand on a related subject we have not heard a word about the high
handedness of several leaders. Communal riots have been a part of this
country even prior to the independence, still today's so called
intelligentsia is all focused on 2002 Gujarat riots only, no body speaks
of the slaughter of Sikh brethren in 1984 by congress workers,
atrocities to Kashmiri Pandits or more recently riots in Assam. Mr.
Katju ! despite being the ex-Supreme Court judge and you do not agree
with the findings of the legal system of this country than why didn't
you raise this issue while you were a part of the judiciary.
from:
Amit Pachauri
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 17:45 IST
Katju says "there is still mystery as to what exactly happened in
Godhra", this statement in itself is quite provocative and one sided. Also comparing a section of Hindus with Hitler is also provocative. In 90s when some tainted secular leaders from UP and Bihar targeted this section of Hindus their party came to power in the late nineties. In 2014 we might see a repeat of this. Development, anti corruption and governance are the issues of today. One sided secularism works as a boon for them.
from:
Arvind Guleria
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 17:30 IST
This has opened my mind's eye. I was thinking Indians were Hindus and
even the Christians and Muslims now in India should've had their
ancestors as Hindus - the later generation would've got converted. What a
wrong approach. "India is broadly a country of immigrants" and we
should show "equal respect and treatment to all communities and sects."
Should not heed anything else. Thank you Mr. Katju.
from:
Venkat
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 17:17 IST
Columns like this strengthen the resolve to make Modi the next PM,
despite all ills listed by the columnists like Justice Katju. Are they
suggesting that the view of the majority should not count in our
democracy? And that only the erudite Justices and ex-Justices have the
proprietorship over views that weigh? Agreed, we must treat every
citizen equal, irrespective of his social or religious affiliation. But
that does not justify the continuous raining of non-sense over the
majority. After the all-round failure of the UPA Govt and involvement of
the top political families in corruption cases, where do you expect
people to go? Modi may not be an ideal PM but he is being rated higher
than the incumbent (if one exists, of course!)and the prospective PMs.
We would have appreciated Justice Katju recommending better options
except the continuation of the incumbent PM. But, we appreciate his
position and the associated predicament!
from:
VMN
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 17:05 IST
Whatever Hitler did, Germany is the foundation on which entire
European Union is hanging economically. Winners write history, that's why we would never know why entire German diaspora was motivated to commit such a heinous crime. Even if MODI committed a genocide, that was bound to happen. What do you expect from a 85% Hindu majority state population to do the moment Godhra pictures are flashed in NEWS and Papers. Should they be made to believe that this was an act of BABAR or TUGLAK and they are still helpless impotent snake charmers? WAKE UP. I was a 16 year old kid at that time and was shaken till roots and was tempted to take revenge. It is GUJRAT riot which gave our secularism a stable and balanced platform. Now even Muslims know that actions will have a reaction. that also 85% MORE. Enough is enough. We need to give a chance to MODI and stop again tilting the 2014 agenda towards CASTE RELIGION etc. This biased article is highly condemned.
from:
Kapil
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 16:58 IST
While most of the readers here are blaming Mr. Katju for not seconding
with the Supreme Courts decision none has actually bothered to understand what he is trying to say. Supreme Court can only give judgement and at best monitor over the investigation. If I understand it right Mr Katju is referring to the unfair and far from best investigation that was done in the riot cases. Investigation were largely influenced at almost every level. And if suggests to setting Gujrat as an example to what India should be then I am the most worried Indian! A state which commits crime comparable to the worst, miserably fails to give the victims an honest and fair trial offering the perpetrators cosy seats on the top of administration, How can anyone in true sense seek a future like that?
from:
Prince S Ali
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 16:46 IST
How could an ' educated ' former judge fumble on facts. 790 Muslims
and 254 Hindus were killed in Gujarat riots of 2002 and not 2000 muslims and no hindus as stated above. It is not expected from a learned person. You have every right like other Indians to vilify Narendra Modi but your language should be restrained,dignified and above all,factual. By the way, you like many others who are known for their comments on any subject under the sun, kept quiet when the 'educated' boys and girls hit the streets of Delhi and other cities in the wake of brutal rape of the brave girl Nirbhaya in Dec.Very disappointing piece. For a change,please read the article by another Katju(Vivek). It will have a sobering effect.
from:
RK Singh
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 16:44 IST
Mr. Markandey Katju, although a Supreme Court judge and a wise man
fails to understand that Gujarat has had a history of Riots in 1969,
1985, 1991, 1993. Hindu Muslim animosity is historically ingrained in
the Gujarat psyche. Riots happen for one reason or the other and so did
the 2002 Godhra. Death of human being is condemnable but to compare Mr.
Modi with Hitler is not correct. The nazi party had a written agenda of
purging Germany of Jews and they succeeded in doing it. Hitler openly
advocated jewish hatred. This is not the case with Mr. Modi for after
2002 the state has remarkably remained peaceful.If india should be lead
by leaders having an inclusive agenda then the present government and
all poltical parties should be dismissed from service. If secularism is
the criterion for selecting a leader then Mr. Katju's article betrays
his facade. Finally nit-picking on minor issues of developemnt indices
amounts to looking at ones shadow in the sunlight and saying their is
darkness.
from:
kunal
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 16:40 IST
I wonder why the likes of Markandey Katju won’t utter a word when
parties like the Congress win elections by assaulting the spirit of the Constitution, but lose no time in railing against the bjp. The balderdash about Modi does not make it clear why he is such a threat to our democracy. When a ysr fights elections by fielding a disproportionately higher number of Reddy candidates, and wins over the hearts of the poor by distributing liquor and currency notes, our partisan intellectuals term it the politicisation of caste and criminality in electioneering.
from:
Viswanath V
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 16:28 IST
This article comes amidst a euphoria created on Narendra Modi as
Prime Ministerial candidate, a view commonly found in media these days.
The urge to project an alternative is becoming greater with the ruling
party at the Centre adding to its toll of faulty practices every new
day. If change is the rallying point then that should not be based on
passions, but based on reasoned judgements. A person who qualifies on
stronger grounds of ethics in governance rather than based on fascist
ideologies. Shri Katju has been bold and forthright in calling a spade a
spade, perhaps, a lone voice among innumerable writers in the media and
much less among the people who comment in cyberspace, but I am sure he
is one among multitude of voices of the silent majority, who may not
have recourse to publishing a column or even leaving an online comment.
But, with rich judicial background and scholarly knowledge, its timely
piece.
from:
Anbarasan
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 16:26 IST
Why don'nt you write similar article on the killings of thousands of
sikhs by the cadre of congress party? Why your memory is so short,narrow and biased? If you would like to treat all communities with equal respect and treatment why do you differentiate between sikhs and muslims?
from:
JP Reddy
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 16:26 IST
Modi's advocates are proclaiming that he has been exonerated by
court. Not true. Supreme Court called him a 'modern day Nero' .Only SIT
chief Raghavan tried to save Modi by filing a closure report. But Sc
found Raghavan's conclusions incompatible with the report details and
asked amicus curiae to prepare an independent report and the entire
matter of Gulberg Society massacre is posted to the trial court to
proceed with.Gujarat courts tried to prevent the complainant Zakia Jafri
from receiving copy of the report and now SC has ordered that the full
SIT report be given to her. Court is yet to decide the matter. SC
ordered retrial of most of the 2002 riot cases outside Gujarat as fair
trial was not possible there due to interference from police and
politicians. Modi victimised honest officers whom tried to help the
victims and patronised those who colluded with rioters and fake
encounter killers who are behind bars now. So much for Modi and the
developed Gujarat.Well written Mr Katju!
from:
G Radhakrishnan
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 16:23 IST
Look at how arrogant Modi is on any platform- he treats the citizens
of India with as much disdain as any Bollywood director. Logic and rationality are not needed in dealing with us; thinking so, he utters blatant lies and stages exaggerated performances, with no concern for the discerning minds of Indians, who scorn him. It is not hard for me to believe that a massive cover-up was in place in Gujarat. Look at the nonsense spouted by RSS, VHP and BJP regarding other communities in India. While the minority-appeasement strategy of Congress tires me, like it does many other Indians, this is not the solution to our problem. Hindus are proud of their philosophy, for its metaphysical theory which accepts other faiths, and its refusal to accept dogma (in the form of 10 commandments or a book, verbatim) unlike other faiths. That is what makes it a sanatana dharma. I do not wish to be told how to practise my own religion by a bunch of hooligans, who go against the spirit of its philosophy.
from:
Chira
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 16:14 IST
I cannot imagine such a third class article from a former Judge of
Supreme court and that also in 'Hindu'. India is a democratic country
and Mr. Modi has been elected as CM three time continuously. If people
of India wants him as PM, who can stop him? If India belongs equally to
all communities, why few of them considered as minorities and enjoying
more privileges than others? Mr. Katju's findings are absolutely
nonsense hence cannot acceptable...
from:
P A Vinod Nambiar
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 16:07 IST
You have written that"The truth today is that Muslims in Gujarat are
terrorised and afraid that if they speak out against the horrors of 2002 they may be attacked and victimised".I also have read in some magazines that the Muslims are happy and feel safe over living in Gujarat.Is it possible to prove your statement with facts?How many people you have interviewed now who says that they do not feel safe now?
from:
narayanan
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 15:58 IST
Very rightly said, Katju sahab. Inclusiveness is our greatest strength.
The right-wing, left-wing or the extremist Hindus and Muslims, can't be allowed to dictate agenda in this country which is populated by a majority of peace loving Indians.
from:
Adnan
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 15:56 IST
An onesided story.
The 2002 events are a blot on Mr Modi. Certainly one can not condone this as a reaction to the Godhra massacre. But it is not right to make light of the Godhra massacre. If circumstantial evidence is to be used to arrive at a conclusion then this is most likely to be a response by the Moslem fundamentalists against the destruction of Babri Masjid. Throughout out the short history of India, starting with Indira Gandhi, politicians have used religious fanaticism to incite one group against another to remain in power. Justice was meted out on a selective basis by putting pressure on investigative agencies. There has been a systemic destruction of the independence of many of the institutions. It is not just one party, the Congress or the BJP that has used this destructive strategy. Practically every party, regional or national, perhaps with the exception of the Communists, have adopted this. It is up to the common man now to rise against this. Will he?
from:
DR.R.VENKATARAMAN
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 15:39 IST
I appreciate your goodwill that you wish to warn our nation from
potential communal threat looming ahead. But as it's clear from the comments that our educated citizens still don't realize this threat,i wish we learn from the misery caused to innocent citizens due to mighty communal clashes of Burma(Rohingyas) and the genocide of Rwanda(Tutsis). The reason i believe for this ignorance could be due to lack of awareness about national aspirations that our forefathers desired. I can see people are easily carried away by the painted Agenda of Development and in the name of caste ,creed & religion, ignoring the threat of communalism (which all of us suspect deep inside our hearts). I sincerely appeal to my brothers and sisters to choose secularism over religious patriotism . Let's not get divided and vote in name of religion and development .Instead in the spirit of fraternity,let's respect and treat all citizens equally and vote for making an undivided and prosperous India.
from:
Dharmendra
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 15:38 IST
1. All those who have objection in comparing Modi with Hitler must
read about the starting days of Hitler. All the symptoms are same
between both leaders. 2. Modi is not acquitted in all the cases. Till
all the cases regarding 2002 Gujarat Riots not complete, Modi can't be
regarded as clean. 3. And what if court didn't found anything against
Modi. We the people also knows the reality. That in India how our police
and other authorities works and how the judiciary find itself helpless.
4. Who is praising the development (subject to investigation of
reality) and trying to move ahead in the name of development must
understands that development on the grave of thousands will never be
acceptable. You massacre one side and development for other is not
acceptable. 5. Who is bringing 84 Sikh Riots in this Gujarat Riot issue
also must remember that Some Congress i also dubbed 84 Massacre as
Action-Reaction. Life is not theory of Physics. When peoples getting
burnt alive, certainly its not Science
from:
Chaand Babu
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 15:22 IST
It's wonderful to have such a brave and consistent voice among us,
especially when it belongs to an ex-judge of the Supreme Court. It
therefore carries with it a sense of authority. There will be those
among us who will not wish to confront the truths in this article, as
they are not the ones who have suffered at the hands of someone like Mr.
Modi. To want to build a so-called progressive society on the blood and
tears of a whole community is not a worthy sentiment by any yardstick,
and those who so willingly forget the carnage of 2002, would do well to
remember these lines..
// First they came for the communists, and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist. Then they came for the socialists, and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak for me.//
from:
Lata Tauro
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 15:19 IST
sir, this article is a turning point in the history of modern India,
post the year 2000.till now no person of substance and stature and eminence as that of you has ever been able to see the direct relationship between what has been happening in India, including the 1984 Sikh killings and the political philosophy of fascism. a very large number of things happening in India today, are the same things that happened in germany a few years before shri Adolf Hitler usurped power in Germany.i find it laughable that some supporters of shri modi are offended that his actions are stated to be similar to what happened in Nazi Germany! shri modi, most people of RSS and the Sangh pariwar openly espouse the political philosophy of shri Adolf Hitler. there are fascist elements in most political parties in india, in the administration and to a very small extent even in the judiciary. this is not because all of these people have studied fascism and have adopted the philosophy.it is because, along with the greatest of wisdom and tolerance, parts of the culture and ethos in India has serious principles of fascism ingrained into it. while it would help greatly to study this aspect and lay it bare, it is more necessary today to see the philosophical convergence of German fascism and the resurgent Indian fascism. while the Sangh pariwar is flag bearer for this, a large number of elements in congress and regional parties like trinamul, dmk, aidmk etc too subscribe to it.it is how a large number of fascist attacks happening in states ruled by not just the sangh pariwar but the congress as well are going un-stopped and un- punished.in fact it is in congress ruled states like Maharashtra, rajasthan, Delhi, andhra pradesh etc more attacks are happening.in andhra pradesh the government till recently openly supported Muslim fascists so that they get number support and some votes and get full help in looting state funds.shri modi represents great danger to India and its people.he could also bring the whole of south Asia into danger by his brinkmanship against, china, Pakistan and Bangladesh apart from Nepal and sri Lanka.the sooner we see fascist nature in actions, irrespective of parties, and lay bare the dangerous nature of fascism in India, the sooner we could save India from a national disaster, much more damaging than the German fascism.thankfully German fascism could not lay its hands on nuclear weapons technology.
from:
vellullipaayala venkataachalapathi
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 15:18 IST
We are the gullible mice being lured away to the tune called
'development' played from his magic pipe, not realizing the cliff on to
which we are being led to. Long live Pied Piper of Gujarat.
With the rising clamor for Modi as PM, our Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic of India is getting transformed into another 'Third Reich'. History has already taught us how all this ends. Everyone, please get ready to pay the price.
from:
Sudeep
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 15:13 IST
Narendra Modi is an able leader, but yes, he will have to strike a compromise between the
Principles of secularism and the Sanatan RSS Hindutva to succeed and be popular as PM!
from:
Usha Padiyar
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 15:13 IST
@ Sriram, even Mr P J Kurian is exonerated by the courts, you mean to
say and therefore he is blameless. why you conveniently avoiding the
injustice done to the Muslims during the 2002 riots why only applaud his
so called "development" achievements? you too seems to be emotional in
your response first you try make a balanced statement, then you can
advice Mr Kadju.
from:
Irene
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 15:05 IST
It has been argued in some comments that Modi has not been convicted
consequently,he should be spared the title of genocide perpetrator. Katju has considered that and still voiced his impressions. Importantly, Mayawati and Laloo just like Rajiv in bofors have not obtained any conviction. Yet, they remain attached to a certain popular perception. The question is, whether that popular impression has a reasonable basis. In the instant case, Katju finds the grounds solid and reasonable and i agree with him. The growth rate of gujarat has been slower than Bihar under Nitish and was even less than UP under Mayawati. To detect a certain Business - lobby inspired hullabaloo in favour of Modi as the preferred PM-in-waiting is therefore substantiated. The silence of muslims in Gujarat is most likely an outcome of fear. A judicial non-conviction is merely a statement that the prosecution has been unable to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt..also secured by Savarkar in MG's assasination case
from:
Monty Thanesar
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 14:54 IST
I think the comparison to Hitler is accurate. Let us recall that Hitler too was no
more than a mediocre, populist politician who rode the wave of anti-Jewish sentiment to catapult himself into power. That the Jews were summarily harassed and killed in his time was easy for him to do as the majority population were rabidly anti-Semetic not just in Germany but in the entire Western world at that time. So while Mr. Modi has fortunately not reached those grand heights of monstrosity yet, he and all other populist politicians probably fondly dream of matching Hitler. Consider Modi's soulmate Bal Thackeray who openly admired the Fuehrer. Now, even if Mr. Modi has been acquitted by courts due to lack of evidence, he was CM, his job was to maintain law and order and he failed to do this more or less in his neighbourhood and then spoke rubbish about action-reaction. Such an incompetent man is not to be entrusted with running a nation!
from:
Vivek
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 14:38 IST
I see nothing new in Mr Markandey Katju's condemnation of MrModi.
Opposition leaders, "balanced" sections in the media have all said the
same thing over the last 10 years. A very disappointing piece from a
jurist of the standing of MrKatju and sounds like an election campaign.
Except that I could see the escalated 'threat' to secularism that the
people of similar belief have been expounding on Modi's so-called prime
ministerial ambitions. 2002 riots have been interpreted by different
people differently and being a clever man with words, he puts the
viewpoint of the fanatic who sat next to him in the flight as a majority
view of the people of Gujarat.
from:
Mahadevan
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 13:50 IST
Katju is keeping quite on Sikhs killed by activists, the complete
wipe out of Kashmiri Pandits. This is not communal politics according to
Katju. And the role played by Teesta setelvad in fabricating cases
against Modi & the support she received from difference quarteres is
known to all.Anyway he has to show his gratitude to the present rulers
for giving him a chance to become Chairman Press counsil of India
from:
R.Muralidharan
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 13:45 IST
this article is written with the sole intention of Modi bashing as is
increasingly becoming the norm in Indian media. he feels those who favour modi are so called educated. the plane incident he mentions is his personal experience with no proofs whatsoever. he says muslims in gujarat are terrorised again without any proof or study. infact in the recent local elections BJP did very well in the muslim majority areas winning as many as 24 out of 27 seats. he thinks mystery shrouds godhra carnage but has no doubt about modis role in the communal frenzy that followed though SIT has given him a clean chit, which as being an ex-member of higher judiciary he shud have faith in. when everyone has equal rights unlike old times when people were denied opportunities or were made to pay taxes due to their religion how can he term certain section as second or third rate citizens?modis indirect complicity as head then what about 1984?
from:
abhilasha
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 13:32 IST
By now read many articles from different intellectuals castrating
Narendra Modi for his alleged role in the Gujrat riots. This article does not bring forward anything new. The people of India (all of them) wants governance, which we do not know for sure if Modi will be able to deliver, but given the options that we have in PM Manmohan or Rahul Ghandhi, we do want to give him a chance.
from:
Dinesh
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 13:26 IST
I understand the concerns raised by Mr katju are really
baseless.There is court and rule of law.If Modi had been guilty ,he
should have been punished.Another factor is that the develpment of
Gujarat,we have in the recent past leaders of many foreign counrties
showering praises on Modi for the immense development of the state .When
business thrive in a state ,there comes the employment opportunities
and consequently progeress to everyone.that is what is happening in the
state.Fact is fact.The development of Gujatrat is really enviable.
many people in India are in the opinion of some change in the goevernment because of excessive mindless scale of corruption from the ruling party. So I believe Modi can be given a chance for the PM of India.
from:
Pallikunnil Divakaran
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 13:13 IST
Et tu, Mr. Katju? You were a Supreme Court judge, and you have no
respect for its judgments? And the most unbalanced article you ever wrote! On what basis you are so sure of Modi's involvment in post Godhra riots? And on what basis you reject the killings of innocent kar sevaks as the instigation for riots? By your comparison with the dictatorship of Hitler? Do you really see parallels here, or are you speaking with just the anger of a preconceived notion of pseudo secularism? The basic tenet of Hinduism, which is of tolerance to other religions(witness Zoroastrians who were absorbed into Hindu society with no ill effect, since they peacefully integrated), has been thoroughly misused by Muslims, and hence you find some areas of conflagration between the two communities. I know there are honorable people in Islam, and the answer is to continue to talk, but instigating by killing Hindus will create such reactions.
from:
Krishna Kumar
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 13:07 IST
Mr.Katju,
I think you dont have all the facts and even if you have, you are
biased. You seem to act like an agent of the Congress rather than a
journalist. I have travelled to Gujarat many a times during last 4
years. The development in infra is visible there. Roads and power
connectivity is superb. What has the governments done in TN to the power
crisis situation? WHich businessman would like to run a company in such
a environment? You are former judge. Your time is over. Let the youth
decide who should run the country.
from:
S. Venkatachalam
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 13:00 IST
Mr. Katju has always had a distinguished career, but I feel NaMo should be the way forward.
from:
Krishna Kanth
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 12:56 IST
I have read Mr Katzu's reactions to various issues and sometimes he
makes sense and other times not. This one he doesn't make much sense. Mr
Katju appears to have selective amnesia and selective memory. The 1984
Sikh massacre by this very supposedly Secular Congress Party operators
didn't register in Mr Katju's memory. More importantly, calling (or
comparing) Mr Modi to Hitler is an acute insult to the memory of the Six
Million Jews murdered by the Nazi Germany. And calling killings in
Gujerat as Kristallnacht is sheer hubris. What is most deplorable is
that the honorable ex Justice of the Indian Supreme Court doesn't
respect his own Judicial System and WITHOUT ANY PROOF believes that Mr
Modi is guilty. What a pity! Mr Katju has accurate recall of Emperor
Ashoka's reign but Godhra is a mystery to him while muslim killings is
crystal clear to him. Modi may not lead to a land of milk and honey but
surely will lead Indians out of this Filthy State!
from:
Subhash Reddy
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 12:54 IST
I don't understand why you Mr.Modi's supporters don't accept the
reality, as mentioned above the condition of people in Gujarat
especially of minorities, development doesn't only mean
industrialization, it includes welfare of the masses , you go and check
out what is the condition of the people even today who were affected by
the riots , even after several years no support provided by the
government whatsoever, and Mr.Modi is still unapologetic and doesn't
feels ashamed of what has happened under his tenure.What surprises me is
that in the land of Mahatma Gandhi, people still supports politician
like Mr.Modi.
from:
B. Nadeem
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 12:53 IST
Sir, you may be against Mr. Modi but is there any other person who can
handle and administer the country in a proper way?? In the past 9 years we have had enough of scams. Our Government wants to have policies so that they can maintain their vote bank, nobody cares about the economy, see where our CAD is?? Despite this nobody cares and want to implement policies just to attract voters.
from:
Deepak
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 12:52 IST
When people of Gujarat are accepting Mr.Modi as their leader then
what is the point of debating in his credibility as an efficient leader,
If he is not then ultimately it will be the masses who projected him
will pay the price(time will decide this). But, it should be noted here
that our country is taking the shape of intolerance as we can see in
many cases populated in recent past. It is on the literate youth to
direct the path which will ultimately lead to peacefull and tolerant
society amid diversities .
from:
Ranjeet
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 12:50 IST
Dear Katju,
I was not fan of Mr.Modi but after reading hate articles of so called
liebreals like you..now i am FAN of Mr.Modi..The more people like you
hate him, we will more vote for him..
from:
Vishvas Desai
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 12:49 IST
So when it comes to Godhra incident, you call it mysterious and have
doubts as to what actually happened there, and who was responsible for
it. But when it comes to the subsequent riots, you are crystal clear
that it was Modi who was responsible ? I dont know what you call it, I
call it hypocrisy. And did it ever occurred to you that the so called
police inaction could be due to 'a fear of life'. I mean police personal
are human beings after all. And its no secret that our police is
under-equipped to deal with such situations. Army was called in the same
day it started. But I guess you want to say that even it was controlled
by Modi and was inactive and communal and what not ? If thats the case,
then no one is safe in this country. As for development, "Rome was not
built in a day". Have patience. Compare whats happening there and whats
happening in other states. Visit Gujarat and then write anything about
it.
from:
Rakesh Agarwal
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 12:37 IST
Congratulations , Mr.Katju - for standing up against the well orchestrated "Modi for PM" campaign.
The Corporate world fully back Mr.Modi, because they know that their interests will be served best under his leadership.
Implicit in that belief is that the interests of the minorities and other marginalised sections of the society will be ignored.
His advice that India shouldn't repeat the same mistake that Germany committed in the early 1930's is quite appropriate.
from:
Hariharan
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 12:30 IST
Katju does not know how developed Gujarat is. He is clearly using words such as "great
emperor Akbar" and his previous writings showed that he wants to toe the minority appeasement line of Congress. When Sikhs were attacked after Indira Gandhi murder and when Assamese were attacked in Bangalore few weeks ago, when unfair protests were done in Mumbai, Katju preferred to keep silent. But India clearly needs a great leader like Modi. Indian justice system has cleared Modi and Katju's words carry no weight since he clearly comes out as a very biased person.
from:
Ramamurthy
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 12:18 IST
I had once met Justice Markandeya Katju and only told him that I
admired him, and this article only reinforces my respect and regard for
his broad humanism and commitment to the secular principles that our
founding fathers built into our Constitution.
Mr Modi's culpability in the riots in Gujarat, or the culpability of our
other political worthies post Babri Masjid or post the Indira Gandhi
assassination, cannot go away with the passage of time or because
evidence to convict them was not available. The judicial system needs
evidence to convict - that is its strength and that is its weakness. It
would be naive to believe that anyone who is not convicted is therefore
pristine-pure. The ethos of our times allows might to be right, and
designated law-enforcers are sometimes the worst offenders.
from:
B G Krishnan
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 12:06 IST
I'm extremely surprised by this open frank column by respected Katju.
I have always felt "development" has been much hyped by Gujarat. Well,
with a state that finds no difficulty in availability of land, or
sources of power generation, its much of a cake walk compared to other
states. While i agree there needs to be decisiveness by the Government
to efficiently use these resources, i solely feel it need not be
politicised and accredited to any particular party or person.Is it not
the "responsibility" and accountability of the government to perform
these functions?
On the issue of certain comments chastising Katju for his sincere
disclosures, it needs to be kept in mind that he has owned up the views
as his and respected the judiciary by refraining from comments.
About Modi becoming Prime Minister, it seems like a long shot
considering the fact that the party is still prone to fanatic activities
at times.
from:
Cyril Mathew Thomas
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 11:59 IST
Much has been said about Gujarat's development and Modi's Gujarat has
been made a brand name. But people seem to forget easily the post-Godhra carnage . How can we be so assured that Muslims and other deprived sections in Gujarat are treated at par with other communities in the state? Gujarat may be developed with industrialists keen on investing there. What is pertinent here is to ascertain whether the fruits of development are enjoyed by people of every community, equally.
from:
S. Arjun Nivas
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 11:53 IST
I am sick of reading this Modi-baiting articles.Why everying wants to
tarnish Modi with a broad brush?Agreed, he is bad and Muslims were and
always innocent and that only Hindus in this country are bad.
If the rightists and various Indian editors was 'captial punishment' want to be banned and the 'hardcore'convicts excused...why not apply the same feelings towards Modi.Excuse him and forget for his 2002 sins,if he has any. Actually he is fooling everyone by saying that he is eyeing for NEW DELHI.I feel he will not leave his Gujarat.He is too clever and knows that he has to face people like Khatju et al.
from:
J.S.Acharya
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 11:53 IST
Firstly, I believe that a man (Mr. Katju) of your stature should not
have such strong beliefs regarding any person on any other issue without
any strong evidence. The judiciary of India is the most respected
institution and has been for many years looked-up by people. When the
apex court of the country has not found the constitutionally elected CM
of Gujarat (Modi)as not guilty who we to question.
Secondly, after many years we have a capable leader who is not asking
votes based on caste or sub-caste, but has first shown his work and then
asked for votes.
Thirdly, every pary has a black spot, be it Congress for 1984 Sikh riots
and PDP for opening allowing people to issue fatwa's and not offering
adequate protection to Kashmiri pandits; infact, since independence,
more than 70,000 people have died in Kashmir and now people think bomb
blast is normal in Kashmir. How can we have such biased openions?
from:
Mayank
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 11:39 IST
Good article sir. These type of articles should come now and then, so
people won't forget 2002 riots, which will definitely help for UPA-3. But one thing is very clear, people are more educated now, they know whom to elect and whom to dump. Lets wait for 2014.
from:
Srihari
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 11:32 IST
Mr. Katju, please keep your personal opinions to youself. If you
believe in your words, then fight it up with a brave face and not just
waging a proxy war by insulting some one. This is your habit of being
acting as a Dharma raj which you are not. Like Kejriwal, you don't have
faith in any system (Now you are targeting judiciary also). In this, you
are sowing a seed of hatred by provoking a community and demonizing
other. You can't present some businessman's view as Modi's. Godhra
happened 3 months after Modi holding his post as CM and has not been
part of any office earlier. So, you can't label him as a master
poltician at that time also. Other indicators of malnourishment and
poverty are the India's fact and we have to fight it. This won't be
Gujarat only agenda for your kind information and stop treating Gujarat
as separate country.
from:
Karan
Posted on: Feb 15, 2013 at 11:19 IST
Mr. katju
It`s easy to criticise when u are out of system in comparison to when
you are in it. Further as like your air travel sto
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Sunday, February 17, 2013
All the perfumes of Arabia - By [Retd Justice] Markandey Katju - THE HINDU, Chennai, India
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