This Article is From May 26, 2010

Gandhians vs Narendra Modi

Ahemdabad:
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Narendra Modi is attempting another image makeover. This time, the Gujarat Chief Minister has initiated a 100-crore programme asking for Kar Seva to construct a Mahatma Gandhi temple in Gandhinagar. His government also plans to use soil and water from 18000 villages and 169 towns to build the temple.

"For generations to come this monument will give out the message of truthfulness and will also remind us to walk on the path shown by the father of the nation," said Modi who wants to spread the Mahatma's message on ahimsa.

However, his plan has run into a wall of protest by Gandhians. They say that by trying to usurp Mahatma's legacy, Modi is trying to project a cleaner image. Furious Gandhiains have now written a letter to Modi demanding that the work be stalled.

The letter by half a dozen Gandhians which include prominent names like Ila Patahak and Cheenu Vaidya says:

'Modi has no moral ground to align himself with the Mahatma'

'The father of the nation was against misuse of government money so why is a 100 crore project being named after him'

Another Gandhian, Prakash Shah adds, "Even though he's trying an image makeover but the blot of 2002 riots wont go. If not today maybe in future he will have to be answerable for his deeds."

With the Gandhians themselves resisting the idea of a Mahatma temple, the Modi government finds itself in a tight spot.
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