Muslims in Gujarat are progressing with the rest of the states and they have shown their acceptance of the government by coming out in huge numbers at the three-day 'Sadbhavna' fast launched by Chief Minister Narendra Modi, BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said in Ahmedabad today.
"The perception of BJP and Modi being (anti-minority) is not correct. The fact is that Muslims in Gujarat are progressing. People have come here, spoke about their view and acceptance of the government. People of minority community in large number at the fast in not a fabrication," Hussain told media persons on sidelines of the Sadbhavana fast in the city.
"If Gujarat has initiated talk on brotherhood and harmony, why are others getting agitated. I am surprised. There was a riot here and everybody had condemned it then. Since last 9-10 years there is peace and tranquility. And if the state initiates Sadbhavna mission and if one does not understand I cannot do anything," he said.
Dismissing reports that politics was the motive behind the fast, Shahnawaz, who is BJP MP from Bihar, said Sadbhavna mission is for peace and harmony and there cannot be any politics on that issue.
BJP spokespersons Prakash Javadekar, who was also here to support Modi, also showered praises on Modi saying the Gujarat chief minister has embarked on a unique mission.
"I see a huge number of people coming and meeting Modi and taking pledge for Sadbhavna (good will). Modi has provided the ideal leadership that any state would require," he said.
Javadekar said that MS Swaminathan has also praised the agricultural model of Gujarat with check dams and micro irrigation systems in place and said that it was a good example that could be emulated in other states.
"This Sadbhavna mission is for every person of the country. Inclusive growth with participation of all. No casteism or communalism. Now the US Congress has accepted, but Indian Congress does not agree. It (Congress) has been cut off from the people. That is why they will not accept it and keep on expressing their grievance on it," Javadekar said.
"Modi is a very successful leader since long time. He is already a national leader," Javadekar said in reply to a question on when Modi will join national politics.
He said that during Independence, Gujarat and Maharashtra had separated and Maharashtra was far ahead of Gujarat for 40-45 years. But since Modi came to power Maharashtra has been left behind. "Now I feel jealous of Gujarat who has left Maharashtra behind," he added.
Javadekar also said that in Maharashtra even today 15 farmer suicides are recorded every year, but there were none in Gujarat.
Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray also sent his blessing and well wishes to Modi through his representative Anant Geete.
"This is a unique mission. For the first time in the country a chief minister is observing fast for the peace and harmony in his state. This Sadbhavna mission will give new directions to the country," Geete said.
He also quipped that Congress leader Shankarsinh Vaghela who is also sitting on a fast at Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad was in support of Modi as he too was fasting.
Geete expressed hope that Gujarat which is number one in the country remains at that position in the future also.
