Modi to seek support for development and governance - News

Positioning himself ahead of the Gujarat poll battle Chief Minister Narendra Modi today said he was opposed to both minorityism as well as majorityism. In an interview with 'Times Now' television channel, Mr Modi said the 2007 elections would be fought on his performance for the last five years and his record of governance and not on the the basis of Hindutva. He said he never believed in communal politics, but was 'wrongly painted' as a communal politician. Asserting that a model governance was one that is 'inclusive' wherein the last person in the chain should derive benefits from it.

When asked did that also include Muslims? Mr Modi replied "this is country's the misfortune. There is only one chief minister in this country who speaks the language of five and half crore Gujaratis. In this country you will find leaders who speak the language of caste and religion. I speak for five and half crore Gujaratis... I have not spoken any other language" Answering questions on minority-bashing Mr Modi replied "I work for five and half crore Gujaratis. I work for their welfare. The talks of majority-minority, has destroyed the country. I strongly oppose minoritysm", he said. Asked if he was opposed to majoritysm? he said "I am opposed to both". When reminded about his last poll speeches and minority bashing, the CM said there could not be 'one word' about minorities. If there were any, than Sonia behn’s government in Delhi would not have left him alive. When pointed towards his term ‘Miya Musharraf’ Mr Modi asked back, was it a crime if people thought that 'Miya Musharraf' was a synonym of Musalman. When Pakistan President attacked Gujarat in the UN, it was his responsibility as a representative of Gujarat to give a befitting reply.

Asked if there would be minority bashing in the polls, the CM asserted he had never done it before. The channel was free to air any cut-out or footage, but not out of context. About the changes that had taken place since the last elections in 2002, he said whenever there was a discussion on Gujarat, development was also talked about. He had not brought in development for marketing the governance. "When I say pride, it means development". Asked if his focus this time would be on development, Mr Modi replied "I am not going to focus on anything. I am not going to try anything. I have to just give a positive response to the people and the people have already decided the agenda". The interview is being telecast today and tomorrow.

-- (UNI) -- 13DI27.xml

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