Abdul Hafiz Lakhani
Ahmedabad: Ongoing the Patidar agitation in Gujarat is taking some very unexpected turn as Patidar Samiti leaders like Rahul Desai and Lalbhai Patel are candid enough to raise the communal question themselves as they lash out against the BJP.“The BJP is fundamentally a communal party that has been planting its ideology of fearing Muslims for years now,” said Desai. “I can tell you with certainty that Modi would never have been re-elected as the chief minister in 2002 if it had not been for the Godhra train burning.”
In February 2002, a mob at Godhra railway station killed 59 commuters of the Sabarmati Express by setting fire to its coaches. Thirty one Muslims were later convicted. The arson was followed by intense communal riots across Gujarat in which more than a thousand people died. Desai, who was in school at the time, remembers being shown videos of the Godhra train burning in class.
“They were doing it to propagate the idea that all Hindus need to come together or else the Muslims would kill us,” said Desai. “I don’t know if the men who burnt the train were Muslims or not, but I know that the Godhra train burning was a pre-planned political stunt by the BJP to win the state election later that year.”
When communal thinking takes root, says Desai, it is very difficult to get rid of. “Because of the BJP’s propaganda, all of us began to think communally, and I feel kind of cheated now,” he said. “Even today, people are afraid that Muslims will riot against them, but honestly, even if they don’t, the BJP will get it done.”
Desai acknowledges that he may not be speaking for all Patidars in Gujarat, but he is certain that all other members of the Patidar Andolan Samiti share his views.
In Mehsana, Laljibhai Patel could not agree more. “Of course, Godhra and the 2002 riots were orchestrated by the BJP. It is obvious to us now, but back then it wasn’t,” said Lalbhai Patel. “Last time they targeted Muslims. Now they are allowing the Patels to be persecuted. This is exactly the kind of politics that leads to the creation of Naxals.”
For now, Patidar leaders are in no mood to support the party they were once loyal to in the state Assembly election next year. But even as the community accepts help from the Congress to fight various cases against Patidar men, Desai and Lalbhai are firm that Patel allegiance will not blindly bend towards the Congress this election.
“We will vote for whoever gives in to our demands – both reservations and justice for the police atrocities,” said Lalbhai Patel. “The Patidars are already now building connections with OBC Thakors and Muslims so you never know – even a third front might come up.”
About Congress’ offer of giving reservation to Patels and other upper castes under the EBC (Economically Backward Class) category, Lalji Patel is heard saying that other upper castes will reap maximum profits if the EBC reservation is accepted, while the Patels would not gain much.On Congress’ improved performance in local bodies polls held in November, Lalji Patel admitted that their stir had helped Congress, as Patels had decided to teach BJP a lesson.The large-scale protests by Patidars last year had triggered violence in many parts of the state, culminating in the arrest of Hardik Patel and his aides under the charge of sedition.
Speaking about the Congress’ offer of giving reservation to Patels and other upper castes under the EBC (Economically Backward Class) category, Lalji was heard saying that other upper castes will reap maximum profits if the EBC reservation is accepted, while the Patels would not gain much.On Congress’ impressive performance in local bodies polls held in November, Lalji admitted that their stir had helped Congress as Patels had decided to teach BJP a lesson
Truth can not be suppressed. truth always prevail. now the truth is screaming from the horse mouth. Godhra incident in which 59 innocent passengers were burnt to death for some other’s political conspiracy as they blamed it to local Muslims.it was double whammy of injustice. Now
Patidar Samiti leaders like Rahul Desai and Lalbhai Patel have put the BJP and then Gujarat Chief minister in the dock.
I totally agree with you. I would also add some thing to this as “their physical appearance of those involved may be colorful but their mindset is in hell”
Is it true?
Truth will come out some day…its a matter if time
truth will come out some days but what will be the benefit of truth when the truth which will come out will have no use.
innocent have killed already and many innocent are suffering till now.
I don’t know who did this but killing innocent people cannot be tolerated
I closely watched the Gujarat riots of 2002 from 27.2.2002 to May,2002. This was spontaneous reactions of Hindu mobs that the Muslims burn our Karsewak in Godhra. Godhra being infamous for riots by Muslims, if the accident would have been out side Godhra station so much genocide of Muslims would not have occurred.
But now Muslim educated youths also organised against Hindus those are attracted by ISIS also.
We will face internal enemies those are fanatic Muslims.
The present agitations of JNU will spread in whole India against the Hardcore Hindutya Saffron Parivar followers.
India wil face Bomb blasts like Ahmedabad on 26.7.2008 and Mumbai attack on 26.11.2008 by 10 Fidayeens of Pakistan under Hafiz Saeed the JeM chief.
Now peace loving Indian will not sleep with out fear that their city / neighbor towns may not face Bomb Blasts by the fanatics Muslims.
What is the use of this truth.This was known by the inquiry committee.
But what happened?This is not knew for the world. Such things happen
according to the benefit of ruling class. There are lot of fools who believe in such stories .You can see the remark of Dr. Goel.
Great page added today (f.cji) katju statement