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Bangalore: Narendra Modi, the Gujarat chief minister has good reasons to celebrate. After UK, it is U.S. which has lifted the ban on Modi applying for visa. For U.S. the situation is more like ‘something to gain’ as it insists on the significance of Gujarat and U.S. relationship. With U.S. counting on Gujarat for future investments, it is a moment of pride for the CM. Last week UK ended the 10 year boycott of Gujarat after the 2002 massacre in Gujarat for which Modi remarked ‘better late than never’ The 2002 Gujarat riots struck on 27 Feb 2002, when a burning train in Godhra led to the death of 59 people, including many Hindu pilgrims returning from Ayodhya. A Muslim leader was convicted for this incident which inflated leading to the death of 790 Muslims and 254 Hindus. Modi was held responsible for inadequate action taken to control the situation, and alleged for promoting it. However immediately after the riots Modi was asked to resign and he did submit his resignation to the Governor. In the following re-election Modi leading the BJP, won by 127 seats in the assembly of 182 members, he became the re-elected Chief Minister of Gujarat.A sting operation was called years after the riots to draw connections between well known Hindu leaders and politicians participating in the mass murder and involvement of Narendra Modi. No evidence was found conducive and the operation was dismissed. The Supreme Court in May 2012 appointed amicus curiae (friend of the court), Raju Ramachandran stated that under four Indian Penal Codes Modi can be prosecuted for encouraging hostility among the religious groups in the 2002 Gujarat riots. Ten years since the riot, with U.S. following U.K. in permitting Modi to apply for visa as and when required, the blemish of the 2002 riots has somewhat made peace with these countries, but for it to make peace with the scorned Indians of both groups will take its own time. As Robert Blake, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs said on the grant of permission to apply for visa that Modi can apply for another visa when he likes, but the system of approving will take its course as per TNN.He also spoke about the excellent relations U.S. has with Gujarat, and is a prominent market for American countries. They hope to maintain this relationship and also build on promoting trade with not only Gujarat but the other Indian states too. However in 2005 when Modi applied for U.S. visa to visit Florida it was unapproved, which did seem vindictive at the time. With new ties and refreshed approach U.S. is ready to welcome any future visits of the Gujarat Chief minister. As U.S. and U.K have lifted the ban there are political parties who don’t see it as a positive step because of Modi’s productive administration. CPM central committee member Mohammed Salim said in this context “Suddenly, western powers are trying to see virtue in Modi-land. He feels the U.S. is making the best of the political ambiguity in India.” Salim added “They are trying to warm up to Modi as part of their future political investment” as per TNN. Whether the foreign countries see opportunities in a politically mixed up country or its Modi’s leadership they find empowering in order to make their trade work only time will tell. For now it looks like the good times are here and it’s time to enjoy until it lasts.
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