Ahmedabad:
Sushma Swaraj spent the afternoon with Narendra Modi at his camp in Ahmedabad where he ended his three-day fast for "harmony" today. Like other BJP leaders, Ms Swaraj was lavish with her praise of Mr Modi.
She also referred to last week's Supreme Court verdict which her party has interpreted as a major victory for the Gujarat Chief Minister.
The court refused to indicate whether there is enough evidence for Mr Modi to be tried for his alleged complicity in the 202 riots in his state. The Supreme Court judges hearing the case have asked a trial court in Gujarat to examine the evidence.
These are some of the points stressed by Ms Swaraj in her speech:
- Satyamev jayate (the truth wins) is used often; but in this case, it really applies. Modi has been vindicated.
- Modi is the sort of leader who braves heat and dust to reach the smallest villages to ask if little girls are being sent to school.
- People usually thrive on praise and crumble under criticism; not Modi
- All development plans benefit all people in Gujarat. Narendra bhai does not differentiate between people of Gujarat on the basis of religion, caste or creed.
- No development plan is made keeping in mind whether this will benefit a Hindu or Muslim.
- In the past 9-10 years, Narendra bhai has tolerated a lot of criticism. To overcome such criticism, one needs resolve. And only a person who is connected with the people, can get the strength to find such resolve. Narendra bhai knew this fast, and established a connect with the people of Gujarat.