Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Tehelka claims

The Tehelka exposé of the alleged role of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and the sangh parivar in the post-Godhra riots does not say anything new. That the State machinery was used for perpetrating genocide in 2002 is well known. A mere expression of shock yet again is not going to help. Will the Tehelka tapes be taken as evidence by the Nanavati Commission inquiring into the riots? Will the Supreme Court take suo motu action against those shown bragging about their action during the riots? Will the tomb and mausoleum of poet Wali Gujarati, razed to the ground on March 1, 2002, be restored at its original site in Ahmedabad?

Arman Najmi,

Patna

The latest tapes have sent shock waves across the country. The graphic account of the post-Godhra violence given by sangh parivar members was horrifying. Mr. Modi has no right to remain in power. Tehelka has exposed him and his continuance in power is an insult to the august office.

A.S. Farida,

Kancheepuram

This refers to the BJP’s contention that the exposé is politically motivated. Let us for a moment assume that it is. But how does that negate or reduce the severity of the horrific crimes Mr. Modi and his men are accused of having committed in 2002? The BJP should be ashamed of itself to advance such arguments when people who reportedly enjoyed its support have boasted on record of their participation in the riots.

Safiya Sameena,

Vijayawada

It is being alleged that the Tehelka exposé is timed to influence the Gujarat Assembly polls. I would say it is humanely motivated to save the people of the State. There is no time limit to exposing the truth. Particularly on the eve of an election, it is important for the people to know the truth so that they can identify leaders who refuse to be publicly accountable.

Matthew Adukanil,

Chennai

If communalism is the trade of religion for political gains, Mr. Modi must be the most prosperous trader. Gujarat has been made a fertile ground for communalism and Mr. Modi has capitalised on it. The people of Gujarat should protest against Mr. Modi as the people of the U.S. are doing against Mr. Bush.

Dheeraj Pandey,

Ghaziabad

The most questionable aspect of the operation is its timing. Those who conducted the sting operation themselves maintain that the “evidence” was collected over several months. Why did they wait so long to make it public?

The pre-poll release of the “findings” will undoubtedly horrify many people. Recalling the riots may well bring communal polarisation back on the agenda. It is for the sting masterminds and their mentors to ponder over the eventual electoral cost.

K.S. Jayatheertha,

Bangalore

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