Gujarat Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) campaign chief Narendra Modi is one such political leader who keeps in touch with his followers on social networking sites. But his long silence on suspended Gujarat Police official DG Vanzara's controversial letter has caused an uproar among the public.
Suspended IPS officer DG Vanzara on Sunday tendered a 10-page resignation letter, claiming that the alleged fake encounters, for which he and other police officers were imprisoned, were carried out under the instructions of the Gujarat government.
Taking a dig at Narendra Modi, the IPS officer said that he has been keeping silent "because of my supreme faith in and highest respect for Shri Narendrabhai Modi, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, whom I used to adore like a God. But, I am sorry to state that my God could not rise to the occasion under the evil influence of Shri Amitbhai Shah..." ([READ Complete Text of Vanzara's Letter]
"Chief Minister of Gujarat has very rightly been talking of repaying his debt which he owes to Mother India. It, indeed, is the sacred duty of every citizen to do it. But, it would not be out of context to remind him that he, in the hurry of marching towards Delhi, may kindly not forget to repay the debt which he owes to jailed police officers who endowed him with the halo of Brave Chief Minister among the galaxy of other Chief Ministers who do not bear the same adjective before their names," he added.
The letter came at a time when BJP is expected to announce Modi as its prime ministerial candidate for next year's general elections. Surprisingly, BJP's chief campaigner has been keeping silent on the issue, despite criticism from several quarters.
Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D Raja took a dig at BJP's prospective prime ministerial candidate, saying that Vanzara's letter has exposed the true nature of Modi's reign.
"Whatever we are hearing is true. This has thoroughly exposed Mr. Modi and the Gujarat Government. The massacre that took place in Gujarat could not have taken pace without active connivance of the state administration, state machinery at that point of time. It was Mr. Modi's government which was in power even during 2002. So, the confessions made by the former police officer have thoroughly exposed Mr. Modi and his government," ANI quoted Raja as saying.
Instead of clearing the air on the explosive letter targeting him, Modi attended a Teachers' Day function and told the audience that his priority is to serve the people of his state and that he has no other intentions, reported CNN IBN.
Vanzara's letter may not be controversial enough to derail Modi's political ambition but it has surely affected his image to some extent, and the BJP's as well.
The public - critics and fans alike - are eager to hear from the BJP leader on the explosive letter targeting him, his man friday and his government. Now, the big questions is - when will he break his silence?
