Click to play videoNew Delhi: Barely a fortnight ago, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi avoided any questions on the 2002 Gujarat riots while speaking to CNN-IBN. But now the ghosts of the past have returned to haunt the Chief Minister with the Supreme Court ordering the special investigating team probing the riot cases to investigate allegations that Modi's government patronised the rioters.
Along with Modi, a number of IAS and IPS officers and ministers will also be questioned in a three-month time period.
The principle charge – these officers and ministers were present at a meeting on February 27 in 2002, a day before the Gujarat riots erupted where they were told to go easy on the rioters.
“Evidence that shows that many of the claims made by human rights groups about a conspiracy into the post-Godhra violence need to be investigated,” social activist Teesta Setalvad said.
In the last few months, the special investigating team has arrested Modi's minister Maya Kodnani for her alleged involvement in the Naroda Patia massacre. Police officials have also been charged and arrested.
In court, the Gujarat government counsel said the government was ready to co-operate with the probe team.
However, on the eve of Thursday's Lok Sabha election in Gujarat, the BJP doesn’t seem too concerned either. “We have no difficulty in all these matters being inquired into,” BJP General Secretary Arun Jaitley said.
The Congress, too, has stopped short of seeking Modi's resignation, fearing that the issue could generate sympathy for the Gujarat leader in the polls.
“Mr Modi will turn a Nelson's blind eye and will ask why should I apologise for Godhra,” Congress Spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said.
For Modi, who has emerged as the BJP's star campaigner in 2009, and for some BJP supporters, its future prime ministerial candidate, the probe could now be a make or break situation. Indictment in any form could halt his meteoric rise, and a clean chit could just be the tonic he needs to push his ambitions forward.
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