It is for people to assess 1969 & 2002 Gujarat riots: Modi

AHMEDABAD: Maintaining that people in Gujarat want inclusive growth, Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said it was for them to assess communal riots in the state during the BJP and Congress rules.

Asked how does he assess 1969 and 2002 Gujarat riots at a time when the state is celebrating golden jubilee of its foundation, he said, "It is for the people to assess, and they have assessed from time to time (by way of elections)".

"It is clear that people of the state want all-round development and we should thrive to give them that."

Modi was addressing a press conference here to announce programmes organised from May 1 to celebrate golden jubilee year of the state.

The two worst communal riots in the history of Gujarat had taken place in 1969 and 2002. Congress was in power in 1969, while Modi was Chief Minister in 2002.

Asked whether Gujarat Tourism brand ambassador Amitabh Bachchan would be present at the May 1 function, he said, "the celebrations will go on for a year and many programmes will be held. He (Bachchan) will be coming here for the shooting of advertisements to promote state tourism and will stay for more than a week."