Godhra, can you say what attracts Gujarati Hindus to the BJP?
I will repeat that 49 percent of Gujarat did not vote for Modi. There has been a growth of right-wing ideology over a period of 15 years. The VHP and the Bajrang Dal have dug their heels very deep in Gujarat. They are present in every [section of] civil society. They operate in business associations, doctors associations, teachers associations. Everywhere they have a VHP wing. If a Hindu Patel doctor wanted to go and treat a Muslim patient during the riots, one call from a VHP bigwig and he was stopped and threatened. This is not democracy, but lack of rule of law. This is not a majority and minority issue. It is goondaism and they are allowed to get away with it. You change the guard in Gujarat with President’s rule for six months and you will see a sea change. The only reason we are seeing this day is because the VHP men are not dealt with strictly. They are allowed to threaten people in Gujarat. Yesterday, I was threatened. What right do they have [to do that]? Has Gujarat seceded f
