New Delhi, March 21
Sticking to its stand, the USA today rejected India’s request for review of the decision on denying visa to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, citing his role in 2002 riots in the state.
Washington, however, maintained that the decision applied only to Mr Modi and not to his party BJP or the Gujarati community.
“The Ministry of External Affairs requested the Department of State to review the decision to revoke his (Modi’s) tourist/business visa. Upon review, the State Department re-affirmed the original decision,” US Ambassador to India David C. Mulford told reporters here.
He said the decision was “based on the fact” that as head of the Gujarat Government between February and May 2002, “he was responsible for the performance of state institutions at that time.”
