CM skips Godhra for the first time since ’02

For the first time since 2002, Chief Minister Narendra Modi did not visit Godhra, the ground zero of 2002 riots, for campaigning ahead of polls, if one excepts his 3D speech.

During his campaign for Assembly polls in 2002 and 2007, and Lok Sabha polls in 2004 and 2009, Modi had visited Godhra, where the Sabarmati Express train carnage in February 2002 had triggered widespread riots.

When Modi addressed rallies at 52 places simultaneously through 3D technology on December 4, Godhra was one of the venues where his speech was telecast live.

"I didn't go to the 3D show. It was merely a publicity stunt that we all understand very well. He carried on his shoulder both democracy and dictatorship. Not even the local BJP candidate has visited the area (Signal Falia near the railway station where the train was burnt)," said Saeed Umarji, son of Maulana Umarji who was acquitted after spending eight years in jail in connection with the train carnage.

According to Umarji, one can see a BJP poster only in Polan Bazar, a Muslim-dominated locality.

BJP insiders said there was no specific reason behind Modi not visiting Godhra this time.

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