New Delhi, September 13
Buoyed by the Supreme Court verdict in the Gulberg Society riot case, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today hit out at his detractors for “defaming” him for the 2002 riots and announced he would undertake a three-day fast for peace, harmony and unity in his state.

“One thing is apparent from the Supreme Court’s judgment. The unhealthy environment created by the unfounded and false allegations made against me and the Government of Gujarat, after the 2002 riots, has come to an end. For the past 10 years, it has become fashionable to defame me and the state of Gujarat,” Modi said in a letter to citizens.

The controversial Chief Minister, who is increasingly being seen as the BJP's poster boy who could play a larger role in national politics in the run-up to the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, insisted that those defaming him could not tolerate any positive development of Gujarat.

He said these people had not left any stone unturned to defame his state.

“It is difficult to say whether this campaign of defamation will stop even after the judgment of the Supreme Court. But one thing is certain that the credibility of those who have been spreading lies and defaming Gujarat has come to its lowest ebb. The people of this country will not trust such elements anymore,” he said.

Modi declared that as part of his responsibility to strengthen social harmony and brotherhood, he was planning to start a movement called Sadbhavana Mission.

“As part of this Sadbhavana Mission, I have resolved to fast for three days from Saturday, September 17, 2011. My fast will conclude on September 19. I deeply believe that this fast will further strengthen Gujarat’s environment of peace, unity and harmony,” the Gujarat CM said.

The Supreme Court verdict yesterday, directing the SIT to either file a final report or a chargesheet in the Gulberg case to be tried in a lower court, has come as a shot in the arm for Modi.

He has appealed to the people of Gujarat to come together and contribute to enhancing the dignity of the state. “Sadbhavana Mission is completely dedicated to society and the nation. I hope that our effort to take Gujarat to new heights of development through peace, unity and harmony will contribute immensely in the progress and development of the nation as well,” he said. — PTI