The people have assessed communal riots in Gujarat during the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party rule in 1969 and 2002 respectively, Chief Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday. Asked how he assesses 1969 and 2002 Gujarat riots at a time when the state is celebrating golden jubilee of its foundation, he said "it is for the people to assess and they have assessed from time to time (by way of elections)".
"It is clear that people of the state want all-round development and we should thrive to give them that", Modi said addressing a press conference here to announce programmes organised from May 1 to celebrate golden jubilee year of the state.
The two worst communal riots in the history of Gujarat had taken place in 1969 and 2002. Congress was in power in 1969 while Modi was Chief Minister in 2002. Asked whether Gujarat Tourism brand ambassador Amitabh Bachchan would be present at the May 1 function, he said "the celebrations will go on for a year and many programmes will be held. He (Bachchan) will be coming here for the shooting of advertisements to promote state tourism and will stay for more than a week."
Modi said he had also invited Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for the May 1 function. But since the PM had prior engagements, he has sent a letter wishing good luck and progress for the state. On what was the greatest contribution of Gujarat, the BJP leader named Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.The two towering personalties, who were born in Gujarat, had helped gain freedom for the country, he said.