Wait till polls for BJP’s show, says Advani

Referring to the communal violence at Chottaudepur in Vadodara district on Saturday night, Advani said the state had not yet returned to normal. ‘‘Total peace and normalcy will be restored when there is a sense of security among all sections of the people whether minority or majority. And that is also part of good governance.’’

When asked if there were going to be changes in Gujarat both at the government and the organisational levels on the pattern of the recent reshuffle at the Centre, he only said: ‘‘The term of the Gujarat government is coming to an end and they will face elections. It is for them to decide when to hold the elections and what kind of governance they propose to give the people.’’

Brushing aside the forensic science report that the fire was started from within the coach of Sabarmati Express, Advani said anyone who had seen the burnt coaches would not need an FSL report to know where the fire started. ‘‘But it would be amazing if some people thought the women and children in the compartment set themselves on fire. It was a section of the mob that did that.’’

Referring to changes at the Centre, Advani said the NDA was the only government that has completed more than four years as a coalition, pointing out that on Monday, the Vajpayee government would have completed 1,000 days in office.

Advani also said there was no move to launch the ‘Gujarat gaurav yatra’ in the state. ‘‘Why should anyone object to someone trying to make contact with public?’’ he asked of the yatra that Modi planned to out three days of a week in 125 of the total 182 Assembly constituencies of the state, which was cancelled following certain observations made by the National Human Rights Commission on it.

On the issue of the elections for Vice-President to be held next month, Advani said the BJP would talk to its allies and the Opposition barring the Congress before zeroing in on a candidate. ‘‘There is no need to talk to Congress because they have already announced their candidate.’’