If Modi is elected, it will bode ill for India's future

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/apr/10/if-modi-elected-india-future-gujarat

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Without questioning the validity of India's democratic election process, it is crucial to remember the role played by the Modi government in the horrifying events that took place in Gujarat in 2002. The Muslim minority were overwhelmingly the victims of pillage, murder and terror, resulting in the deaths of more than 2,000 men, women and children. Women, in particular, were subjected to brutal acts of violence and were left largely unprotected by the security forces. Although some members of Narendra Modi's government are now facing trial, Modi himself repeatedly refuses to accept any responsibility or to render an apology. Such a failure of moral character and political ethics on the part of Modi is incompatible with India's secular constitution, which, in advance of many constitutions across the world, is founded on pluralist principles and seeks fair and full representation for minorities. Were he to be elected prime minister, it would bode ill for India's future as a country that cherishes the ideals of inclusion and protection for all its peoples and communities.

Anish Kapoor, artistHomi K Bhabha, professor of the humanities, Harvard UniversitySalman Rushdie, novelistDeepa Mehta, film directorDayanita Singh, artistVivan Sundaram, artistDame Helena Kennedy, barristerImran Khan, solicitorMike Wood, British Member of ParliamentJohn McDonnell, British Member of ParliamentFiona Mactaggart, British Member of ParliamentJacqueline Bhabha, director of research, François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University Kumar Shahani, film directorGeeta Kapur, art historianPragna Patel, director of the Southall Black Sisters Sashi Kumar, film producerJayati Ghosh, economistPrabhat Patnaik, economistMK Raina, actor/film directorRam Rahman, artistSaeed Mirza, screenwriterAnuradha Kapur, National School of Drama in DelhiKumkum Sangari, professor of English and the humanities, University of Wisconsin Gautam Appa, emeritus professor, London School of EconomicsChetan Bhatt, professor of sociology, London School of EconomicsSuresh Grover, director, Southall Monitoring Group