Mr. Modi's justification of fake encounters is not at all surprising. The Gujarat government has already admitted that Sohrabuddin was killed in a fake encounter. There is nothing to prove that he was a terrorist. Even if he was, it was not for the State to decide his fate and that of his wife. As for Mohammad Afzal, his mercy petition is under the President's consideration. Any comment on it will diminish the dignity of his office. Finding the development plank insufficient, Mr. Modi is resorting to controversial methods to attract voters.

From media reports, it appears that Mr. Modi asked the crowd to "tell me what to do with Sohrabuddin." There is no mention of his community.

It was Ms Gandhi who started the war of words by calling Mr. Modi a merchant of death, forgetting the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Why is she being let off? Mr. Modi has been named the best Chief Minister by at least two independent agencies. Under him, Gujarat has prospered. I wish other States had such efficient Chief Ministers.

The mudslinging between the two leaders has exposed the extent to which communalisation and criminalisation have polluted the political atmosphere. The electorate expects them to behave more responsibly and talk about development issues and what they propose to do if elected to power.

Mr. Modi has justified Sohrabuddin's killing in a fake encounter. This implies that Mr. Modi has the authority to license the killing of a citizen. On the one hand, India claims to be the largest democracy where the rule of law is supreme and the life of a citizen cannot be taken away except by the procedure established by law. On the other hand, not only are innocent people like Sohrabuddin murdered but their murder is proclaimed publicly. The man behind the killing moves about freely.

Sohrabuddin was not found guilty of perpetrating any act of terror. No court sentenced him to death. He was just eliminated by triggerhappy police personnel. His wife too was killed. One is unable to understand how a man who has no respect for the Constitution, law and human rights can be a leader in the so-called secular India. Mr. Modi should not only be charged with murder but also barred from contesting elections.

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