EU will continue to boycott Modi, says German envoy

The European Union (EU) nations, though interested in seeking business ventures in Gujarat, have decided to continue to maintain distance from chief minister Narendra Modi, at least till the election in the state are over.

Last week Britain, in a departure from its earlier stand had announced normalisation of ties with Gujarat chief minister.

Germany’s ambassador to India Michael Steiner said here on Friday that his country, a prominent nation in the EU, shall not change the stand on Modi, particularly when his state is in the thick of the election, lest he takes advantage to influence the election process.

“We don’t want to interfere in election campaign that has just begun in the state,” he said. The ambassador said Britain had informed the EU members before making its announcement to normalise relations with Gujarat, but it was told that the EU stand will not be affected by its decision.