Bangalore, Aug 10: Former Chief justice of the Supreme Court justice A M Ahmadi today criticised Prime Minister A B Vajpayee for his "changing pattern of statements" on the Gujarat riots and on Muslims and said his remarks have "added insult to injury" to the minority community. Justice Ahmadi said Vajpayee, after visiting relief camps of victims, "almost admonished" Chief Minister Narendra Modi and reminded him of his "raj dharma" (ethics of governance).
Referring to his speech in Goa where he was quoted by the media as blaming Muslims as a class, Ahmadi said "The Goa speech took away everything of what he spoke in Ahmedabad. It has added insult to injury (to the Muslim community)".
However, on July 31, Vajpayee again made a speech where he spoke of the need for religious harmony and tolerance, departing from the content of Goa speech, he said.

"I am at a loss to understand which sermon I should take seriously from the Prime Minister of India", justice Ahmadi said delivering the presidential address at a national symposium on "Gujarat carnage and media".

"I do hope that the July 31 speech is a realisation of events that took place in Gujarat...Responsibility of one who heads the government.....Realising that people of all faiths should live together and contribute their mite to the country's development".
Bureau Report