Gujarat CM on fast track to Centre stage?

After Anna Hazare undertook a fast against corruption last month, it is now Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi who has announced a three-day fast to mark “complete peace, unity and harmony” in the state. Modi's letter | Poll

After Anna Hazare undertook a fast against corruption last month, it is now Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi who has announced a three-day fast to mark “complete peace, unity and harmony” in the state.

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The fast comes in the wake of the Supreme Court verdict that gave the BJP leader a breather in the 2002 Gulberg society massacre case.

“Hate is never conquered by hate. The real strength of our country is (in) its unity and harmony,” read Modi’s open letter, announcing his fast from September 17. Modi’s move is seen as an attempt to shrug off the communal tag and portray himself as a secular leader fit for a national role that senior party leader LK Advani hinted at on Monday.

Opposition Congress dubbed the fast plan as “gimmickry”. “It is genuine contrition which matters and should be reflected in a profound and comprehensive apology,” said party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi.

Political commentators in the state, too, aren’t impressed. “Modi is trying to portray it as a case against the people of the state in an attempt to gain sympathy ahead of next year’s assembly polls,” said one. Read Modi's open letter