NRIs put Modi in a spot over riots

The concluding day of the Pravasi Bharatiya meet saw Gujarat Chief Minister under fire when some NRIs told him in clear terms that the post-Godhra incidents had shamed the community abroad. However, other NRIs bailed Modi out, saying the riots should be seen in the context of what happened at Godhra.

Devsmita Patnaik, who lives in Paris, spoke up as Modi was winding up his speech: ‘‘The incidents in Gujarat made Indians in Europe hang their heads in shame.’’ As some more joined her, other NRIs rallied to Modi’s defence saying nothing of that sort happened. What happened at Godhra, said a doctor from UK, should be considered before making statements which could be damaging for our image abroad.

An unperturbed Modi later told reporters that those ‘‘trying to tarnish the state’s image should first improve their credibility.’’ During the interactive session, Patnaik confronted him again, driving home the point that it was essential to assure protection to all communities. This time, Modi simply said: ‘‘I share your views. Thank you for your comments.’’

In his speech too, Modi said that some people were trying to tarnish the image of the state which was an attractive destination for investment. He asked the Gujarati Pravasis to contribute to the state’s Panchamrit Yojana by investing in infrastructure and other sectors.