The Hindu : National : Keep promise to quit public life, Mehta tells Modi

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Thursday, Oct 11, 2007
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Keep promise to quit public life, Mehta tells Modi

Manas Dasgupta

“Gujarat now stands fifth in the country in high crime rates”

Alleges politicisation of police force
Says “doors of the BJP” are virtually closed to them

AHMEDABAD: In an open challenge to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, his predecessor and senior BJP leader Suresh Mehta asked him to “keep his promise” and immediately quit public life in view of the fast deteriorating law and order situation in the State.

The former Chief Minister held “politicisation” of the police force responsible for this situation and said no one, including Mr. Modi himself, felt “safe.” Otherwise, he would not be moving with 40 commandos and in a convoy of bullet-proof cars. The Home Department too would not have recommended fencing of the entire 30-km stretch from the Ahmedabad airport to his official residence in Gandhinagar, Mr. Mehta said

Quoting from the official document, “Crime in India,” Mr Mehta claimed that the crime rate in Gujarat was much higher in 2006 than what it was when Mr Modi took over in 2001. It now stood fifth in the country in high crime rates.

“How can Mr. Modi claim that all is well in Gujarat?”

Reminding the Chief Minister that he had promised to quit public life if anyone proved him wrong on the law and order situation, Mr. Mehta said it was proved beyond doubt.

Mr. Mehta said the police and the senior officials in the government took “inspiration” from above” and were encouraged to indulge in unlawful activities.

In one year alone, 375 police personnel from the ranks of Additional Director General to constable were behind bars in the State. The detection of crime rate was as low as 18 to 30 per cent in different categories.

Mr. Mehta was flanked by two dissident leaders, Dhirubhai Gajera and a former Minister, Arvind Patel.Asked whether the dissidents would join the Congress or float a new party, Mr. Mehta said, “all the doors are open.”

He, however, admitted that the “doors of the BJP” were virtually closed to them and he saw no possibility of reconciliation.

He would stick to his decision not to contest the Assembly elections on BJP ticket under Mr. Modi’s leadership, Mr. Mehta said. The dissidents would decide their next course of action “at an appropriate time.”

The BJP high command had rebuffed Mr. Mehta’s demand to drop Mr. Modi from contention for Chief Ministership.

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