IndiaPost.com - Comment on Sohrabuddin case unfortunate: PM

SURAT: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said here it was unfortunate that some people have commented on the Sohrabuddin fake encounter case without realizing that it could affect the matter pending before the court.

Asked by reporters about the controversy generated by Chief Minister Narendra Modi's statement justifying the killing of Sohrabuddin in a fake police encounter in 2005, Singh said it was not proper for him to comment on it because the matter was sub-judice. The PM was speaking to reporters after addressing an election rally here.

"Today there is a clash between two thoughts. Gujarat should return to mainstream polity. I now see the winds of change blowing here (in Gujarat). The Congress will return to power with a thumping majority," he said.

Asked whether his party, if voted to power, will take action against those responsible for the 2002 riots, the PM said the cases were being heard by courts and he would not like to comment on them. When pointed out that Modi, after talking about development, has switched over to 'Hindutva' to garner votes, Singh said it is not a good sign if any political party tries to divide people on communal line. "This is a sign of weakness and not of strength."

The biggest problem in Gujarat is that there is polarization among the people, he said. "Division of people is a big handicap for the state. Gujarat cannot maintain status quo and it has to march forward. This government thinks on narrow lines."

On the BJP charge that the Congress was "anti-Hindu", the Prime Minister said the grand old party has a history of 120 years and it is following the philosophy of great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel. "I think to accuse the Congress of any communal bias is an insult to the memory of our freedom struggle."

Asked if he was of the opinion that no development was taking place in Gujarat, an impression gained from his election speech, Singh said, "I am not saying nothing is happening in Gujarat. Development is taking place all over the country and investment is coming to Gujarat as well."

On Modi's charge that the Centre was discriminating against Gujarat, the Prime Minister rejected it.