BJP flays Congress for decision to boycott Narendra Modi's visit

DEHRADUN: Opposition BJP in Uttarakhand on Thursday criticised ruling Congress for its decision to boycott NarendraModi's visit to Haridwar tomorrow, saying it reflects the party's frustration at the growing popularity of the Gujarat Chief Minister and its narrow-mindedness.


"At a time when Modi has emerged as the most popular leader in the country and his development model is being praised not only nation-wide, but all over the world, the Congress' decision to boycott his visit to Uttarakhand is unfortunate," senior BJP leader and former Speaker of Uttarakhand state assembly Harbans Kapoor told reporters here.

Condemning Congress' remarks that Modi is a "symbol of communalism," Kapoor warned the party not to forget the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in which some of its prominent leaders are facing trial.

Asking the Congress not to boycott Modi's visit, the BJP leader warned that any insult to Modi will eclipse the prospects of the party in the forthcoming civic body polls slated for April 28.

"May wisdom dawn upon Congress workers and they desist from showing black flags to Modi. I hope the party displays some regard for the age-old Indian tradition of welcoming guests," Kapoor said.

PCC spokesman Dhirendra Pratap announced yesterday that the party will boycott Modi's visit to Haridwar by staging a black flags protest march in the city, saying the party viewed him as the "symbol of communalism."

The Gujarat Chief Minister is coming to Haridwar tomorrow to attend a programme organised by Ramdev's Patanjali Yogpeeth.

The BJP leader said, "In the true tradition of Devbhoomi, (Uttarakhand) we welcome our guest, who scored a hat-trick in Gujarat due to his good governance (Modi) with open arms."

He said the UPA is hit by a new scam almost on a regular basis and it has failed to act against corruption.

He also accused the Centre of not taking a tough stand against "hostile neighbours" like Pakistan and not taking the issue of Chinese incursion into Indian territory seriously.