28.2.14

Rajnath woos Muslims

BJP president Rajnath Singh has sought to bridge a trust deficit between his party and Muslims by saying that he was ready to apologize for any mistakes committed by the party in the past and urged the community to give the saffron outfit at least one chance.
Singh’s remarks immediately sparked speculation that the BJP chief was referring to events like the 2002 Gujarat riots or Babri Masjid demolition. “Try us once. If we don’t come up to your expectations, don’t look at us ever again,” he said at the event titled ‘Modi for PM—Mission 272+ —Role of Muslims’.
Singh said, “Please note that whenever, wherever, if there has been any mistake and shortcoming on our part, I assure you that we will apologize to you by bowing our heads.”
Rajnath’s comments raised a question if the BJP chief was suggesting that the Gujarat riots were a serious weakness in the BJP campaign
BJP leaders said the remarks did not amount to acceptance of culpability, but the outreach did generate ripples in political circles

On a similar note, but in less dramatic terms, leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley said the BJP had been pleasantly surprised by the success of minority candidates fielded by it in states like Goa and Rajasthan. He said the BJP stressed the principles of equality and security for all citizens. 

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