Modi has set new trend in democracy: Sidhu

Ahmedabad, Dec 12 (UNI) Describing Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as a ''new trend setter in the democratic system'', cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu today said people vote in favour of Mr Modi to express their appreciation as against the normal tendency wherein voters vote to express their resentment.

Eulogising Mr Modi for ''taking Gujarat along the path of development'', Mr Sidhu said, ''Mr Modi draws voters to the polling booths to exercise their franchise in appreciation of his work. The normal trend in the democratic system the world over, however, is for people to cast their vote to express resentment against the ruling party.'' Talking to reporters at the BJP headquarters here, Mr Sidhu said Mr Modi was an efficient man. ''There is a need for a strong political will to further continue Gujarat's growth as a progressive state.'' Condemning Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his statement that post-Godhra riot cases would be reopened if Congress was voted to power in Gujarat, Mr Sidhu said, ''The Prime Minister should not forget that the Congress owes a lot to the Sikh community.

In the 1984 riots, over 6,000 innocent Sikhs, including 5,000 in Delhi alone, were killed in just one day and FIRs have still not been registered.'' The Prime Minister should not forget that he represents the same party which elevated ''the killers in the 1984 riots as ministers'', Mr Sidhu added.

Countering, Dr Singh's allegation that an atmosphere of fear prevails in the state, Mr Sidhu asked, ''Can Dr Singh make Delhi as safe for women and girls as they are in Gujarat where they can roam freely even after mid-night.'' On Dr Singh's statement that the BJP had hastened to project L K Advani as a prime ministerial candidate because of infighting within the party, Mr Sidhu said the statement showeds that the Congress had accepted defeat at the hands of Mr Modi and feared that the latter could vie for the prime minister's post. ''A directionless and leaderless party is dreaming to gain power in Gujarat,'' Mr Modi said referring to the Congress.

UNI