Amit Shah back home after exile, says India wants Narendra Modi

Former minister of state (home) Amit Shah, who was barred by the Supreme Court from entering the state in November 2010, returned home Friday evening after a gap of nearly two years amid a grand welcome by supporters and BJP leaders.

Shah, a prime accused in the Sohrabuddin Shiekh encounter case, was asked by the SC to stay away from Gujarat so that he could not influence witnesses. On Thursday, the apex court had ordered to shift the case trial to Mumbai.

In a brief but emotional speech after arriving home, Shah said, "For two years, I wandered in other states and everywhere, people looked up to Narendra Modi. They want a state like Gujarat and a leader like Modi. Narendrabhai's strength is you (BJP workers)."

"His development work is visible in villages, towns, cities and the sea coast. People have security. This will be the foundation for BJP's government at the Centre in 2014. BJP will win 145 seats in Gujarat under Narendra Modi's leadership," the former minister said.

Reusing to comment on the case against himself, Shah said, "I went to Lord Somnath temple first after coming to Gujarat and prayed for helping the country against the misuse of constitutional agencies."

Revenue Minister Anandiben Patel, who is believed to be on not-so-good terms with Shah, also accompanied him. Minister of state (law) Pradipsinh Jadeja, national BJP vice-president and Rajya Sabha MP Purushottam Rupala, Ahmedabad (West) MP Kirit Solanki and BJP MLAs from Ahmedabad were also present.

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