Kalam praised Modi in his book: Advani

BJP patriarch LK Advani has found in former president APJ Abdul Kalam's memoir a vindication of Narendra Modi’s work as CM of Gujarat during the riots.

BJP patriarch LK Advani has found in former president APJ Abdul Kalam's memoir a vindication of Narendra Modi’s work as CM of Gujarat during the riots.

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Advani wrote on his blog on Sunday that while the media had highlighted Kalam’s statement that then prime minister AB Vajpayee had asked Kalam whether he considered going to Gujarat during the riots essential, it did not highlight Kalam’s account of Modi's cooperation with him once he was there.

Advani quoted Kalam: “Many apprehensions were expressed, among them that my visit might be boycotted by the chief minister, that I would receive a cold reception and that there would be agitations from many sides. But, to my great surprise when I landed at Gandhinagar, not only the chief minister, but his whole cabinet colleagues and a large number of legislative members and administrators including the public were present at the airport. I visited twelve areas - three relief camps and nine riot-hit locations where losses were high. … As he was with me I was able to suggest to him that actions be taken as quickly as possible.”

Saying Modi had been most systematically vilified, Advani wondered why the media hadn't highlighted Modi's active cooperation with Kalam.

Significantly, Advani and Modi are believed to be rival claimants for the Prime Ministerial candidature in the next Lok Sabha polls.