Cong does a rethink on election strategy

Vagehla, it is learnt, has been directed not to play up the ‘‘Hindu bogey’’ to the hilt, which he has been doing. Senior Congress leaders here, including AICC general secretary in-charge of Gujarat, Kamal Nath, described Vaghela’s move as something ‘‘which he will limit to his constituency.’’ However, Vaghela proved them wrong and turned into a runaway horse.

Sonia, however, refrained from pointing a finger at the Government.

‘‘I condemn this outrageous act with all the force at my command,’’ she said, adding, ‘‘ I am sure security forces will bring the situation under control at the earliest. In the meantime, I earnestly appeal to all sections of people to exercise restraint and extend full co-operation to the law enforcing agencies…My heart goes out in sympathy to all pious devotees who have become innocent victims and their family members.’’