Search the Internet          Tips

Government to implement House motion on Gujarat: PM

"There need be no doubt about it," Vajpayee told the House.

Intervening in the debate on the Opposition-sponsored censure motion, the prime minister said that the government would support it and ensure that it passed unanimously.

Regarding his statement in Gwalior on Sunday, Vajpayee said, "I was asked whether notice was being given to the Gujarat government under Article 355 as promised by the [central] government during the discussion."

"I said the debate is on in Parliament and in effect it is a notice to the Gujarat authorities," he said.

The prime minister said if the state government was acting as per the wishes of the Centre, then there was no need for a formal notice under Article 355.

He attacked the Opposition for alleging that democracy was in danger and that fascism was raising its head.

Citing the Emergency, he said the country had seen that democracy had defeated those who had sought to weaken it.

Categorically denying that he had criticised Islam and attacked Muslims during his speech at Goa, the prime minister said equal respect for all religions had been the credo of India since time immemorial.

"I can't even think of casting aspersions on any religion," he said.

Vajpayee said the media had only highlighted his remark that the Gujarat chief minister should follow raj dharma [ethics of governance], but did not pay much attention to Narendra Modi's response that he was doing the same.

He sought to know whether there was no other way to follow raj dharma other than seeking the resignation of Modi.

Vajpayee said at Goa he had expressed concern over the rise of religious fundamentalism in various countries, including India.

Stating he had disapproved of militant Hinduism at a book release function in Delhi, he said he accepted the Hindutva of Swami Vivekananda.

Terming the riots in Gujarat as a "blot" on the country, Vajpayee said it was time for parties to rise above political considerations and sit together to find a way out.

On the demand for the removal of Modi, the prime minister said the issue was considered, but a decision was taken that it was not appropriate to change the leadership there.

Maintaining that any change in leadership could have further worsened the situation, he said it was a "right decision" not to remove Modi.

Asserting that all efforts would be made to bring those guilty of killing people to book, he said they should be awarded exemplary punishment. "The law must take its own course," he said.

The prime minister said he was confident that no Hindu organisation would become a danger to the country's unity. He, however, said if this happened then there were laws to deal with it.

Vajpayee accused the Opposition of raising a hue and cry over the Gujarat issue and said they could not wait to come to power.

He regretted the fresh incidents of violence in Gujarat saying there were certain elements, which were bent upon creating trouble and preventing return of normalcy.

"We have to fight these forces together instead of fighting amongst each other and suspecting our intentions. This is unfortunate and a change in attitude is required," the prime minister said.

Vajpayee ruled out any assembly elections in Gujarat at this juncture. "There is no question of holding elections in Gujarat now," he said.

He suggested leaders of political parties could sit together after the passage of the motion and discuss ways to bring peace in Gujarat.

PTI

The Sabarmati in Flames: Complete Coverage

Back to top

Tell us what you think of this report