For Modi, n-deal not a shut case: Cong-led govt must present facts

•You addressed as many as 45 election meetings in Karnataka. Are you happy with the results?

The BJP has been growing steadily for the last 20 years in the state. It was the perseverance of the party worker and the work undertaken by the organisation that resulted in the BJP’s landmark victory in the state.

•You repeatedly referred to the “Gujarat model” at the election meetings. What does it mean?

Gujarat has already linked as many as 20 rivers while the country is still debating the idea. After opening evening courts in the state, the state has brought down pending cases from 1 crore to 24 lakh. We hope to clear the entire backlog by 2010. On other developmental indices, too, Gujarat is way ahead of others. If this model works outside Gujarat too, what’s wrong with that?

•While B S Yeddyurappa did acknowledge your role, he also inducted a Muslim minister into the Karnataka cabinet. Should other BJP governments follow suit?

Our party has leaders from all sections of society.

•But five BJP states don’t have Muslim representation. Should Gujarat have a minister from the Muslim community?

It is time you stopped seeing people in terms of Hindus and Muslims. Let Indians live as Indians.

•You recently addressed a huge gathering of NRIs in the US through video conferencing. How important are our ties with US?

Our ties with the world community should be premised on one fundamental principle alone — that national interest is supreme and must never be comprised with.

•How do you view the Indo-US nuclear deal?

It is strange that the Congress-led UPA has not been able to carry along its own allies on this. The government should be transparent and present before the country all relevant facts on the deal.

•If the Government reaches out with more facts, will your party reconsider its position?

Why are you asking me this question? This question should be posed to the Congress.

•What is your position on the nuclear deal?

The Left is prompted by its anti-Americanism. Our concern is that our nuclear power status must not be comprised with.

•How does one deal with social tensions arising out of caste-based privileges?

I come from a backward community, so I would not like to comment on this. But the pie must be expanded by inclusive growth so as to enable everyone to have their share.

•Would that include the Muslims as well?

This is a stupid question. Does developmental work differentiate between a Hindu and a Muslim?

•Does Gujarat need a healing touch after the post-Godhra riots?

The cases are in the Supreme Court and then there is a commission constituted for them. It won’t be proper for me to say anything that might affect the cases one way or the other. Also, why this obsession with this Hindu-Muslim thing? Didn’t our party take the initiative for a Muslim president?

•Are you coming to Delhi?

Yes, for the (BJP) national executive on June 1 and June 2.

•Are you coming to Delhi?

The Gujarat golden jubilee celebrations, scheduled for 2010, is top priority for me. It is an opportunity for 5.5 crore Gujaratis to further make the state a better state.