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Enough time to reply to NHRC plea: Modi

By K. Subramanian

The Gujarat Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, with the Kanchi Sankaracharyas, Sri Jayendra Saraswati and Sri Vijayendra Saraswati, at the Sankara Math in Kancheepuram on Saturday. — Photo: A. Muralitharan

KANCHEEPURAM AUG. 2. "The Gujarat Government has enough time — about 30 days — to reply to the special leave petition (SLP) filed by the National Human Rights Commission in the Supreme Court seeking fresh investigation into the Best Bakery case," the Gujarat Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, said here today.

Talking to mediapersons at Sankara Math here after meeting the Kanchi Sankaracharyas, Sri Jayendra Saraswati and Sri Vijayendra Saraswati, Mr. Modi said: "I respect the court verdict. As per the law, there is 60 days' time to file a reply and 30 days are over now and we have about 30 days for filing the reply for the SLP filed by the NHRC against the acquittal of all the 21 accused in the Best Bakery case. The Advocate-General of Gujarat is looking into the matter."

Asked if he had discussed Ayodhya with the Kanchi Acharya, Mr. Modi replied in the negative. He had requested the Acharya to establish Sankara Math branches in Ahmedabad, Somnath, Sakthi Peeth and Ambaji in Gujarat and extend his services for the development of tribals and for establishing schools for them. "I have requested the Acharya to visit Gujarat and he has agreed," he said. Asked about his opinion on the pledge by the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, and the Deputy Prime Minister, L.K. Advani, on Friday that a Ram temple would be built at Ayodhya, Mr. Modi justified it.

About the possibility of an alliance between the BJP and the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu, he said the State BJP leadership was capable of handling the issue.

Sri Jayendra Saraswati said that they did not discuss the Ayodhya issue but spoke only about the development of Gujarat and some religious matters.

Later, Mr. Modi worshipped at the Kamakshi Amman temple and also attended the on-going 12-day "Atirudra and Sahasra Chandi Homam and Rig Veda Samhita Homam" conducted at the temple for world peace and prosperity.

Earlier, the Kancheepuram Collector, R. Venkatesan, and representatives of Sankara Math received Mr. Modi, who arrived here by a helicopter.

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