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PM asks Modi to follow raj dharam

Speaking to reporters at the end of his day-long visit to Gujarat, he told the chief minister to follow raj dharam [ethics of governance] and make no distinction between people on the basis of caste, creed and community.

''These are very meaningful words... a ruler should not make any distinction between his subjects on the basis of caste, creed and religion," he said.

At this point, the chief minister said in a hushed tone: ''Sir, I am doing the same.''

"I am sure Narenbhai is doing it," the prime minister replied.

Asked whether the government was planning to constitute a commission for the protection of the rights of the majority people, he said there was no need for it.

''Majority needs no protection. Majority is capable of safeguarding its interest. They have the number on their side. It is only the minority which needs protection,'' he said.

The prime minister also ruled out the possibility of removing Modi or a snap poll in the state.

Asked if he saw the Inter-Services Intelligence's hand in the Godhra train carnage, Vajpayee said the incident was "part of a conspiracy" and inquiry into that was on.

He said the Centre would provide all help to the state government to probe the attack.

Asked about the divide the violence had created between the Hindus and Muslims, the prime minister said: "For me, Gujarat is a mystery. Why violence on such a scale took place for the first time? Why so many people killed and burnt alive? It is a violence different from all communal violence in the past in the state."

Asked about conduct of relief operations and acting against those responsible for the violence, Vajpayee said government officers should act responsibly and impartially in achieving the two objectives.

PTI

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