C T Ravi tweets only Gujarat model of riot works, apply across Bharat

Bangalore, Jul 28: C T Ravi, BJP MLA from Chikmagalur and BJP national executive member has sought to clarify that a "controversial" comment he posted on Twitter on Sunday was not intended "to inflame communal passion."

Mr Ravi had tweeted in reference to Saturday's riots in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, "Only the Gujarat model, which worked from 2002 in containing their rioting elements, can work. Apply across Bharat."

In one of the posts, Mr. Ravi, who is also party general secretary for Karnataka, uploaded a video link that said: “How Congress leaders made 1000s of Muslims attack the Gurdwara & cause Saharanpur riots — watch this Sikh speak.”

Delhi-based lawyer and activist Delhi-based lawyer Shehzad has petitioned the National Human Rights Commission on Mr Ravi's tweets. He has alleged that BJP leaders are using social media to inflame passions.

Appealing to the NHRC to take note of these messages, Mr Poonawala said: “These tweets are inflammatory, hate-inciting and aimed at communalising the atmosphere.” Mr. Poonawalla alleged that the modus operandi and design behind these riots seemed was reminiscent of the Muzaffarnagar riots in which dozens of people were killed on the basis of false propaganda spread via social media. “Since Mr. Ravi belongs to the same party as the PM and the Home Minister, and mentioned Gujarat Model from 2002'… It is essential that the PM and the Home Minister clarify if they endorse this brand of communal politics.”

Amid the outrage, Mr Ravi stoutly denied that charge and alleged that "some persons see yellow with their jaundiced eyes." He claimed he had only suggested the "Gujarat model" to help the Uttar Pradesh Government control communal violence.

"My intention was not to inflame communal passions, but to make a point that the Gujarat model would help Uttar Pradesh Government in controlling communal violence," he told reporters.

Mr Ravi also said, "Since 2002, not a single (communal) incident took place in Gujarat as the government there has taken serious action (to control it). That was my intention behind the tweet."

The Karnataka MLA, who is a general secretary in the state BJP, said the then Gujarat Government of Narendra Modi had taken preventive measures to control communal violence by arresting more than 20,000 people, had clamped curfew and issued shoot-at-sight orders, Such steps, the MLA said, would help UP curb communal violence.

There is curfew in tense Saharanpur in western Uttar Pradesh where riots on Saturday left three people dead and many others injured. 38 people have been arrested.