Bharatiya Janshakti leader Uma Bharati has described Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as a “pseudo Hindu” and “a small fry”.In a sudden outburst against Modi on Wednesday, the Sadhvi even twisted facts about Godhra, saying the issue helped him get the chief ministership. “More Hindus died in riots and police firing in Gujarat, and yet he projects himself as the real champion of Hindus,” she said. “Like L K Advani, he has caused more damage to Hindutva than anybody else,” she said. According to her, Pervez Musharraf’s blunder in referring to Gujarat riots, helped Modi to address him as “Miyan Musharraf” and exploit the anti-Muslim atmosphere in his favour. “He swears by Ram Sethu without even going to Rames-waram once,” she said, daring Modi to hold a dharna there in view of the Central Government’s assertion that it would go ahead with the project. According to her, Keshubhai Patel, unlike Modi, had won elections in difficult times. “Modi got the top seat in Gujarat on a platter in the first round and Godhra helped him get elected again,” she claimed, describing Patel as more qualified and able to become the Chief Minister in the ensuing elections. Bharati said she had spoken to Patel and asked him to lead a third front, and advised him not to use symbolism in criticising Modi. “He should come forward openly and provide leadership,” she said. She claimed that “some people” in Gujarat were in touch with her to form her party’s unit there. She said she did not want to name them because Modi had the tendency to eliminate his rivals. According to her, slain BJP leader Haren Pandya’s father writes to her every day. Bharati said she would be able to decide her next course of action in Gujarat only after going there on November 1. However, she admitted that on its own her party had little chance of making a mark there. Bharati, who has blisters on her swollen feet, said her visit to Gujarat would depend on her health. She claimed Modi’s poll plank of development was hollow. “Gujarat prospers because of NRI money and they contributed heavily when Keshubhai was Chief Minister.”
