Alleging that Narendra Modi and RSS "lit the fire of communalism" in Muzaffarnagar, senior SP leader Azam Khan today accused the media of being "partial" for blaming the Uttar Pradesh government for the riots.

COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

Talking to reporters here today, the Uttar Pradesh Urban Development Minister said, "You televised and publicised the unfortunate happenings (in Muzaffarnagar), but refrained from highlighting the persons, groups of persons and organisations who were responsible for burning houses and property of the innocent people compelling them to flee." "It were Narendra Modi (BJP prime ministerial candidate) and RSS who lit the fire of communalism," he said, adding the media did not highlight the truth and blamed the government.

When asked why he had not visited the riots-hit areas, he said, "Muzaffarnagar is very much in my heart. Physically I am here but my heart and soul are amidst the riots-hit people." Stating that "half truth was more dangerous than lie", the minister lashed out at opposition leaders who "tried to make the situations more complicated by making politically motivated statements."

The minister urged the people of Uttar Pradesh to maintain peace and harmony.