Modi begins 51-hour-long fast

Ahmedabad, Apr 16 (UNI) To the chants of vedic hymns and anti-Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) slogans, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi began his 51-hour-long hunger strike here this afternoon.

Mr Modi is protesting against the Centre's ''obstructionist posturing'' on the Sardar Sarovar Dam.

The Gujarat CM started his fast at about 1400 hrs, after garlanding Mahatma Gandhi's bust-size statue installed in front of the 5-ft high 'pandal' (raised platform), set up in the Gujarat University Ground.

Other prominent people who took part along with Mr Modi, included his entire council of Ministers, BJP state president Vajubhai Vala and religious and social leaders.

Asked about the significance of number 51, the sources close to Mr Modi said it symbolises 'sukh' (happiness), 'samrudhhi' (prosperity) and 'vighna harta' (removal of hurdles).

Yesterday, Mr Modi attended an inconclusive meeting of the Review Committee of the Narmada Control Authority (NCA), presided over by Union Water Resources Minister Saifuddin Soz, in New Delhi.

It was also attended by Environment Minister A Raja and the chief ministers of Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

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