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K P S Gill wanted to avoid getting entangled in 'political controversies'

K P S Gill, former security adviser to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday said that he had 'relieved' himself of his assignment saying he wanted to avoid being entangled in 'political controversies'.

"When I took over, I had said that I would like to leave once the situation improves. I had also said that I would not like to be caught in the midst of elections. Now the situation is normal and is expected to remain quiet," he explained two days after returning to Delhi.

The former cop, who was in Gujarat for two months, has denied that he would monitor the situation in the state from Delhi.

When he took over as security adviser, members of the minority community were 'disillusioned' and 'feeling helpless' but following the peaceful Jagannath yatra (procession) on July 12, the situation had undergone a change, he said.

Gill credited both the communities, the police and the 'political establishment' for the success of the rathyatras in the state saying it was seen as an acid test.

"Seventy-nine yatras were taken out on that day in Gujarat and except for a small incident of stone-pelting in one area, all passed off peacefully," he said and asserted it demonstrated that any public event can take place smoothly if proper arrangements are made.

He said the political establishment had extended full support to him in restoring peace and 'many perceptions' about the police force of the state were 'not correct'.

He rejected criticism that early assembly elections would polarise the society in the state along communal lines and heighten tension.

"The democratic exercise has to be held. A few months here and there does not matter. Why should there be problems if polls are held a few months earlier or later?" Gill asked.

PTI

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