Akshardham head to Modi: Behave

When Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi wanted a statement made yesterday blaming the ISI and Pakistan for the attack on the Akshardham te...

When Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi wanted a statement made yesterday blaming the ISI and Pakistan for the attack on the Akshardham temple, he turned to Pramukh Swami Shri Narayan Swaroop Dasji, head of the Bochasanwasi Aksharpurshottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) which runs the temple.

To his surprise, not only would the Swami not play ball, he rapped Modi for making such a request and asked him to ‘‘show restraint’’.

‘‘What ever has happened at Akshardham has happened. Whoever has done it, we don’t want to blame anyone. There is no need to drag any names into this now. And I think you should also stop referring to the ISI and ‘Miya Musharraf’ and make efforts to maintain peace,’’ Pramukh Swami is learnt to have told Modi.

Story continues below this ad

Modi visited Sarangpur, outside Ahmedabad, yesterday morning to meet Pramukh Swami, recuperating after a bout of illness. At around the same time, Pramukh Swami had also called some Muslim leaders who wanted to meet him to condemn the attack on Akshardham and offer condolences for those killed in the attack.

Pramukh Swami first met Modi who, after apprising him about the situation in Gandhinagar, asked him to make a statement condemning the ISI and Pakistan for sponsoring the attack. But the Swami, said sources, not only refused but also gently rapped Modi.

Pramukh Swami’s spokesman Vivekjiwan Swami said BAPS head advised the CM to exercise restraint. ‘‘He told him this is not the time to do anything irresponsible or blame anyone. He asked for peace in society to be maintained.’’

The Pramukh Swami has maintained silence since late on September 24, when he issued a statement appealing for peace and prayers for those who died and were injured.