Critics made Modi a Hindu 'samrat': Arun Shourie

Arun Shourie is impressed with the development in Gujarat and is all praise for CM Narendra Modi. DNA caught up with the BJP Rajya Sabha MP and former Union minister who was in Ahmedabad on Friday. Excerpts:

How do you view Modi’s political persona at the national level?
He has caught people’s imagination. People in various states say bring a candidate like him [Modi] here and the BJP will easily win.

Do you see the 2002 riots as a taint that will always haunt Modi?
People forget. In 1984, after the anti-Sikh riots in Delhi, the media was writing horror stories and printing grisly pictures of the carnage. No one thought the people would ever forget the riots or that the Sikhs would forgive the Congress. Modi now has the image of a man who can get things done. In fact, it is his critics who have made him a Hindu samrat.

Do you feel if he apologises for 2002, he may have a wider acceptance?
If you apologise and then give tickets to the same people who are accused of massacring people, what’s the use?

How do you see development in Gujarat?
Everyone talks of the Gujarat model. Modi has brought about growth and development in all areas — health, agriculture and education. When you have development, everybody benefits. Modi once said if I bring Narmada water, it is for everybody. Contrast this with prime minister Manmohan’s statement that Muslims have the first right on the country’s resources.