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HT This Day: April 5, 2001 -- Clinton carries the day in Bhuj
CONTROVERSIES ARE not new to Bill Clinton
CONTROVERSIES ARE not new to Bill Clinton. They have dogged him even on his cruise from Capitol Hill to Gujarat’s ghost towns.
Controversy tailed him even as he stood, dressed in a green bush shirt and grey trousers, before a memorial to the children who were buried under an avalanche of falling bricks and mortars in the January 26 quake.
At the Khatri Chowk in Anjar, the authorities had hurriedly removed a small granite plaque the former President was to unveil following loud protests by a shopkeeper who claimed it was placed on land that belonged to him.
So instead of unveiling the plaque, all he did was place a bunch of flowers at the base of the structure, unaware that he was standing before a controversial memorial.
Another awkward moment came when the administration did not allow Anjar’s former MLA Champaklal Shah to make a request to Clinton about the adoption of the devastated town. S
Shah was found fuming at a BJP Minister at the site minutes before the Clinton entourage arrived. “Who are they to prevent me from meeting Clinton?” asked 68-year-old Shah who lost his son and daughter in the quake.
Yet, Clinton’s admirers were present in strength to hear him, cheer him, and more importantly, to see him.
Clinton set the tone at Bhuj itself, before coming to Anjar: “I came here to talk, to listen and to learn. I will come back.”
Loud cheers greeted the statement. That was more than Anjar got from the State Government.
Clinton was serious. “I spoke to Prime Minister Vajpayee this morning and discussed the long task of rebuilding schools, health services and houses. Together we can be good partners in the rebuilding process.”
Ratnal village, where over 160 persons died and 1,800 houses collapsed, was more effusive in welcoming Clinton.
A small platform was erected for Clinton to meet and talk to the people. “Love is stronger than brick and mortar,” said a small banner. “You are not victims, but warriors of a new beginning,” exhorted another banner.
