By IANS,
New Delhi : Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi Friday came down heavily on the central government for issuing an advisory to the Karnataka and Orissa governments on preventing violence against the minorities in the two states, terming the move an attempt at “vote bank politics”.
“Where was the central government when Hindi speaking people were killed in Assam and innocent farmers were killed in Singur? Why did not they invoke Article 355 (of the constitution) in these states?” Modi asked.
“The central government has done this to appease Madam (Sonia Gandhi). This is vote bank politics,” Modi told reporters after inaugurating a climate change workshop here.
The central government had Thursday issued an advisory under Article 355 of the constitution to the Orissa and Karnataka governments that it would intervene if they do not immediately control violence against the Christian community.
Modi said the centre has no strategy to tackle the growing terror menace in the country and wanted to “divert attention” by warning non-Congress ruled states.
“The Supreme Court rejected the centre’s IMDT act (Illegal Migrant – Determination by Tribunal – Act), saying that it is encouraging migration to India. Taking a cue from it, the central government must stop Bangladeshi migration, which is a threat to the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, the All India Christian Council Friday welcomed the central government’s initiative to curb violence against the community.
At least 25 people – mostly Christians – have been killed in Orissa in violence sparked off by the gunning down of a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader last month. In Karnataka, churches and prayer halls have been attacked in the Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Chikmagalur districts.