Vaghela to launch 52-hr long fast against prohibition ''relaxation''

Ahmedabad, Jan 29 (UNI) Senior Congress leader and Union Textiles Minister Shankersinh Vaghela will embark on a 52-hour long fast from tomorrow, at the Sabarmati Ashram here, as part of a campaign against the Narendra Modi government's move to ''relax'' prohibition laws for Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

The campaign, being carried out by the state Congress, alongwith several Gandhian organisations like the Gujarat Lok Samiti, Gujarat Vidyapeeth, and hosts of NGOs including SEWA, AWAG and Janpath, will attempt to ''build public opinion against the government's announcement'' made during the recent Vibrant Gujarat Summit, Mr Vaghela announced at a press conference here.

He charged the government of ''murdering'' the ideals held highly by Mahatma Gandhi.

''If Gujarat is already the number one state in the country, as claimed by the Modi government, then what was the need to lift it now,'' he asked and accused the government of playing into the hands of few industialists.

Terming the government's move as an ''autocratic'' step, Gujarat Lok Samiti secretary Chunibhai Vaidya said the government should have sought public opinion first.

At a separate press conference, he expressed fear that lifting prohibition would destroy the social fabric of the society and affect the women and children most. ''What kind of investment is the government looking for. Should we just look for money at the cost of people's security?'' he asked.

He said Gujarat has made definite progress despite prohibition and hence there was no need to lift it. ''Several business families like the Birlas do not touch liquor. Does one have to consume liquor to become rich?' he questioned.

Giving details about the programme, Mr Vaghela said a ''maun (silent) rally'' will begin from the Kocharab Ashram, the first ashram Mahatma Gandhi set up in Ahmedabad, and will proceed towards the Sabarmati Ashram, tomorrow on Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary.

A prayer meeting would be held at 1710 hrs the time, when Gandhiji was shot, he said. Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly Arjun Modhvadia would simultaneously go on a 24-hour fast in Porbandar.

Asked why he was sitting on a 52-hour long fast, Mr Vaghela said, ''It was just a symbolic way to counter Mr Modi's five-star fast on Narmada.'' He said a signature campaign will also be launched across the state against the prohibition policy of the State Government which will be carried out by women.

UNI