As Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi’s muchhyped fast ended on Monday, a slighted RSS accused him of 'excessive individualism'.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is seething as Modi apparently ignored its advice and took only a section of the BJP’s top leadership into confidence ahead of his fast.
Ignoring the Sangh’s counsel, Modi claimed on Monday that his three-day 'Sadbhavana Mission' had 'united India', and added he would now 'fast in every district of Gujarat'.
Modi said: “My fast ends, but the mission begins.” The RSS top brass had told Modi that his earlier strategy of not reacting to criticism over the riots suited him better, sources said.
The RSS leaders, who met him during the fast, had expressed displeasure over his 'sounding so apologetic' over the post-Godhra violence in Gujarat in 2002. The sources added that Modi, who is rapidly emerging as the BJP’s most visible face for the 2014 general election, however, continued to ignore the Sangh’s advice.
Addressing a crowd in Ahmedabad after ending his fast, Mr Modi also took a dig at the Congress’ 'aam
aadmi' concept. He said: “The aam aadmi wants peace... The poor need peace. If there is a disturbance, they lose their means to earn their daily wages.”
He went on to say: “Your dream is my dream... Let my life, my body, my mind, heart... be used for my country. I surrender myself completely to the service of the people.” MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who attended the fast on its last day, declared Monday that he would support Modi for the post of Prime Minister.