Former Gujarat chief minister Keshubhai Patel is an unhappy man. Not only because he lost his chief ministership to Narendra Modi, but also because he believes that all is not well with the state BJP. He condemns communalism but also adds that the issue of caste politics cannot be ignored in an interview to Outlook. Excerpts:
What will be the political implications of the Godhra, post-Godhra and Akshardham incidents?
What will be the impact of communal politics?
Both L.K. Advani and BJP chief Venkaiah Naidu have publicly stated that Modi would be the CM after the elections, while constitutionally, only elected mlas should choose their leader.
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When you were the chief minister, your government took great pride that there had been no communal riots. Have this year's events tarnished that record of the BJP?
Do you hold the Narendra Modi government responsible for failing to protect Hindus and Muslims during the Godhra, post-Godhra and Akshardham violence?
Do you have differences with Modi?
What are Modi's achievements? There are complaints that several long-term development projects initiated by you have been put on the backburner.
What factors will be decisive in this election?