The article mentions the number of people killed in 2002 riots as more than 2000. Let me inform that the actual number of peple killed was close to 1050 and out of that, around 300 were Hindus, yes Hindus. I am not inventing these numbers but this was even accepted by the Central Minister of Congress party in Parliament. In their zeal to paint Gujarat as a new laboratory of Nazism, secularists of all hues have been liberally pushing up the figures. To put this perspective, to my knowledge noone has ever published a similar article on 1984 riots where Congress supportes killed over 3000 sikhs in India. No one has ever written anything on millions of Hindus in Bangladesh who have been raped, converted, or killed and the Hindu populaton had declined from 25-30% in 1971 to around 9% now. Or about Kasmiri pandits who have been real victims of genocide and eviction from their land. Or about the declimation of Hindus in Malaysia. List goes on.

Sid, New Delhi, India

NM, London, UK i don't think your politically correct hand-wringing has any place in the land of adults.
Why should a minority take over a nation just because they breed like rats?
If breeding is their weapon then what is the answer?
And since when was appropriate behavior decided by reference to a long dead German dictator?,
What next we cant speak German or drive in cars because the Nazis did too?

Daniel K888, Melbourne , Australia

It is an unfortunate fact, that the lack of opportunity and discrimination faced by muslims in India is worse than Dalits, (from 2007 Indian Government Report). Indians like to bang on about thier secular democracy. However the mark of a true democracy is opportunity for ALL (not just upper caste Hindu's), and PROTECTION of minorities. I think India fails on both counts.

Unfortunately most of these bigots love nothing more than pulling out the terrorism card to further their evil aims. . Their favourite comeback to these serious issues seems to be - "If you don't like it then move to Saudi" - which is is the hallmark argument of any true racist.

P.s Judging by some of these posts bigots also seem to have an unhealthy pre-occupation with the breeding patterns of people of other religions. Wouldn't be too surprised if Modi's first policy as leader would be forced sterilisation of non Hindu's...Hitler would be proud!

NM, London, UK

This is what wil happen if you keep on "suppressing" Hindus in the name of Reservation and appeasing minorities. Though as an Indian and Hindu, I denounce the Gujarat Riots and feel for all those killed (include the 60+ kar sevaks), and did not approve or appreciate what Modi did to Musilms, but the sad fact is that 90% of Hindus feel that they are oppressed. If India needs to maintain its secularism, then reserveration MUST GO or it should be based on the economic status of citizen rather than caste and religion. Unless that is done, we can assume that there will be lot of Modi's and rise of Hindu Fascism in India.

To the question of who is bad, Hindus or Muslims, there are bad in all religion, but for Muslims, majority of their community didnt stop their fellow people killing innocent civilians, thats why they are considered more dangerous.

Srini, Herndon, United States

For a neutral, which I am, must be asked the question if the hindus are better than islamists. Iam very curious to hear your argumentation.

dorugiu, Focsani, Romania

If the Times can casually call Modi a "firebrand", then why not refer to Sonia as a provocatrix; after all they both used inflamatory language that was sanctioned by the Election Commission.
As far as the suffering of the minorities is concerned there is a modicum (no pun intended) of truth there. But the answer is not Hindu bashing which is one of the electoral planks of the Congress.
After all in a country where Hindus constitute 80% of the population, but hold only one of the 5 most important positions of leadership, it is ludicrous to talk about the rise of Hindu fascism.

Kishore, Dubuque, Iowa

It shows the maturity of citizens of State of Gujarat and reposing confidence on Democracy.

CA.Bimal R. Bhatt, Vadodara, India

I think Hindu Indians are people the west can really do business with.
My Indian buddies say the BJP is fascist as if they are embarrassed by them.
Who cares if they are?
I mean if Europe was still fascist would we have the problems with Islam that we have today?

Also J. Taylor, Lucknow, India - i grew up in a mainly Islamicised part of England, we also had Hindus and Sikhs, and I know who I prefer.

Daniel K888, Melbourne , Australia

Narendra Modi is a great leader all Indians should be proud of.He has won a magnificent victory despite the vile propaganda campaign waged against him by the human rights industry and the the Congress President Sonia Gandhi.The vicious propaganda of the human rights industry says he is behind the riots that killed "thousands " of Muslims.But the same industry claims that the Hindus that were burnt alive before that were killed by "some mysterious force ".

Rudra Murthy Venigandla, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh,India

The Hindus who had voted for Mr Modi...Are those the same Hindus who claim that originally the "Taj Mahal" was a Hindu temple ?. Is it a duty of all 'Hindu nationalists' to believe that ?
Just asking...

(Google "Taj Mahal Hindu temple" )

Jayil, London, UK

It is a dis-service to brand other countries' leaders with an unnecessary adjective such as "former KGB" or whatever, when our own leaders are not similarly described as "Catholic Blair" or "born-again Christian Bush" .

India is surrounded by "failed" states: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka. The politics of those countries will have some effect on the politics of India.

A minority should never try the patience of the majority; nor should a National Party such as the Congress cynically pass most backward legislation to win the support of a minority.

It is wrong to import western concept of "fascism" to apply to Modi.

India is fortunate in its Constitution and a Judiciary.

Suresh Parikh, Croydon, UK

Narendra Modi's victory over Congress party in Gujarat was a result of several factors. Most underlying factor, that pesphologists ignored is the benign monsoon in the province where drought is a recurring feature. The rainfed economy of Gujarat got a boost that also speeded up economic growth. rate. An average supply of drinking water and electricity in rural areas is a luxury and people have been enjoying this for last few years. Most people in India feel content if they are provided basic needs and an employment .. If Hungry and thirsty people would listen to development talks, or not guided by religious rhetorics. Mr Modi should be credited for crafting his party's strategy to win the elections. Today, he is the tallest leader in Gujarat so much so that youth s have started consdering him as role-model.

Dr Suresh Samani, Ahmedabad, India

well said Vinay, Hyderabad, India, i really appreciate what you said here

Daniel K888, Melbourne , Australia

Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it. If the people
of Gujarat had such a chronic amnesia of the carnage, it is
a pathetic plight. The emotially charged electroate of
Gujarat someway blinded by Mr. Modi's personality.

A. S. Mathew, Ringgold, U.S.A., U.S.A.

From Rennel- Part 1: Dear Author, You say: "A media sting also exposed the complicity of the Modi government in the 2002 riots, which started after 59 Hindu pilgrims died in a train fire in Gujarat. The fire was blamed on a Muslim mob initially, but an inquiry concluded that it was accidental. ".
Have you proof that Modi was involved in the riots?. You say he was exposed. Do you know that the news paper that allegedly exposed him as you say is a Congress party supporter and thick friends with the congress?. How can you assume that the results of a sting by a biased news paper is true?. And do you think that in a court of law that investigates objectively on a methodical manner with cause and effect- the sting operation proves anything?. The sting operation gives a suspicion and Modi can be taken to court - but how can you say it exposed him and give your verdict?.
Modi used the effect of the riots to Win- Yes maybe. But that does not mean he killed the people who died.

Rennel, Mumbai, India

@J. Taylor, Lucknow, India

Indian constitution guarantees freedom of religion. And it's not your "right" to convert others through enticement and illegal means, uplifting the society if it is "caste" [India], Racism [West] is the responsibility of the state and not foreign funded NGO's which strive to achieve "Reli-geopolitical" goals under the garb of helping the "Ostracized".
If helping the "Downtrodden" is the goal as is stated, does it loose its significance if GODS/Religions are NOT involved.

In short..Christians are always welcome, but "Evangelicals+Aid" are not. As far as "killing of a missionary" [~which I condemn unequivocally] as a parameter for judging Hinduism is concerned, Christianity and Islam take the cake by far.. from Papal Bulls/Fatwas, to Inquisitions, Crusades, and Jihad.

If there are Animists/"pagans" still in India, it is due to Hinduism. Which doesn't strive to "Convert /Eliminate" everything that walks or dominate other native religions Sikhism,Buddhism..

Vinay, Hyderabad, India

Dear Author, You say: "A media sting also exposed the complicity of the Modi government in the 2002 riots, which started after 59 Hindu pilgrims died in a train fire in Gujarat. The fire was blamed on a Muslim mob initially, but an inquiry concluded that it was accidental. ".
Have you proof that Modi was involved in the riots?. You say he was exposed. Do you know that the news paper that allegedly exposed him as you say is a Congress party supporter and thick friends with the congress?. How can you assume that the results of a sting by a biased news paper is true?. And do you think that in a court of law that investigates objectively on a methodical manner with cause and effect- the sting operation proves anything?. The sting operation gives a suspicion and Modi can be taken to court - but how can you say it exposed him and give your verdict?.
Modi used the effect of the riots to Win- Yes maybe. But that does not mean he killed the people who died.

Rennel, Mumbai, India

Those who think Modi caused the 2002 riots -- in which 750 Muslims were killed compared to 250 Hindus (figures from Congress-ruled central govt showing it to be hardly a one-sided pogrom) -- are in the same category as the conspiracy theorists who believe Bush brought down the Twin Towers. As usual, the Left is full of shrill venom and outright fabrication. J Taylor, if you feel a "threat from Hinduism" (note that you didn't say "hindu extremists" but said all of Hinduism), then you only show yourself to be the type of bigot that has Hindus antagonized and thus rallying together for support. And you're writing from India, no less! Thanks for slumming with us, jack. :P

Sanjay, NYC,

i think the BJP has some confusion as to the difference between religion and politics. what they are involved in is the notorious poli-religion( not a real word) which uses religion to gain advantage in politics. Pathetic and feeble!!!

Zaker, London, United Kingdom

It appears that the mentality of the illiterate masses of india is still steeped in the basal politics of religion. Thats why they readily elect such vile men.

Aryan Muslim, Edin, Scotland

To J. Taylor, Lucknow, India. You seem to have miised the genuine teachings of Jesus by subverting the truth.

The perpetrator of the crime against Australian missionary was Dara Singh. He has been sentenced for life.

And that was many years ago, if not a decade!

Now go and try to convert terrorism-ridden backward people to Christianity in ...Afghanistan, Pak, Bangladesh...and have your throat cut without any questions asked...forget about a fair trial.

You can be magnanimous in accepting that Hindus did allow missionaries (what mission??) to exist peacefully in the first place.

yash, London, UK

So Hindus can openly practice and organize in Saudi Arabia right?

Oh wait, it's the death penalty there.

Hmmm, who should we be allies with again?

Ugly American, Las Vegas, USA

As a " Person of Gujarati Origin- POGO)" - but one who has lived in the west for the past 40 years, the mud being slung at Mr Modi ( and the BJP) by the West ( and Congress) does not come as a surprise. Perhaps someone should ask how many Muslims have been killed, tortured and maimed under the careful watch of Mr Bush , Mr Blair et.al government - more than 2000? Somehow no travel ban on them . Shame on the Indian Central Government!!!

Vik, Vienna, Austria

What alanguage we use; fire brand Hindu? What fire,Millions of
defenceless indians murdered by terrorist, and yet no one noticed-only untill eleventh of september 2001, the whole world
woke-up, India only had twoo decent politicians,first;Indira Gandhi, and now Narandra Modi,this guy Modi have done nothing wrong, except to serve his state (Gujrat Indi)How ambivalent are you not remember, the split of india caused by
the very people,today complaining about modi, Narendra modi
is only asking what any patriots of his country will, you chose to
live in india to live there, then a good patriot, love your country,
you know,you can't have yor cake and eat it;Gog bless us all
Cllr Ken Tiwari(Oxford UK)

Cllr Ken Tiwari (Independent), Oxford, United Kingdom

Modi is a butcher, someone who not only stood by and watched his constituents kill each other, he was responsible for some of is instigating. He has sought to defend people who took part in rape, looting and mass murder. Regardless of your race, ideology or religion, What kind of person could vote for someone like this? There is no justice for minorities in india.

Akram, London,

Alan from Montreal, you don't realise the threat from Hinduism yet. And I hope that one day you do face it, so you find out who your enemies and friends are. But that is for another day....
This is the same religion that burnt a Christian missionary and his two young sons in their car a few years ago in India. Nobody was caught or punished for this crime. The victims crime ? He was a missionary in India trying to convert Hindus bound and ostracized by caste to Christianity.

J. Taylor, Lucknow, India

Everybody in India knows the 'media sting' and 'inquiry' are both fudged to suit certain vested interests.

As these elections have proved the pathological perversion of truth by the Congress and certain 'pseudo-secular' forces doesn't wash with the general public, which has seen through their devious designs.

Avraham Jacob, Mumbai, India

If these blogs r taken seriously let me tell it to journalists and readers that there is a serious need to understand why Narendra Modi and his style of politics is gaining momentum. People know that every party will promote development in any case.

Kind of campaign done and statement made by Mrs Sonia Gandhi & his party who r responsible for killing of thousands of Sikhs, accepted atrocities on Kashmiri Hindus and attitude towards Taslima.

It is true the relatively secular and only community who supported secularism is victim of pseudo-secularism be it of job and education reservation on religious ground or because of subsidiary on Haj pilgrimage.There is a list of double standards.

If present growth rate of non-secular minorities continue than India will be a Muslim country in between 60-120 yrs but if increasing growth rate Muslims increases further, Hindu drops further and Christians focus conversion then it will be sooner than 60 years when you can see non-secular India.

aakash, Raipur India, Chhattisgarh

Modi's win will always remain a blot on the collective secular image of the nation. Effective exploitation of the religious card on Gujarathis, the most Hindu fundamentalist community in India, can give a competitive edge to any radical leaders like Modi. His thumbing victory is not an approval of his leadership, but a dangerous warning that the secular fabric of the nation has started tearing apart.

Mathew, Mumbai,

For the last 1000 years Muslim occupiers have been killing us in the name of "Allah the Merciful". At last some body has the guts to stand up to the Islamic occupiers and tell them "Enough is enough!"

Ajay, Bombay,

M. Modi is a selfless and a courageous man. he calls spade a spade and no doubt does not fit the hallow description of a Congress secularist. Congress has been milking the muslims for electoral gains and done nothing to uplift them. To stay in power they condon the terrorists and inflict thousand wounds on the country.
Mr. Modi has ushered Gujrat in an era of real development and ensured peace there.

Roshan, Delhi, India

MOdi has won this election for his personal unimpeachable integrity, his efficiency in the development of his stae, his clean government free of scandals, complete absence of terrorist attacks or communal riots in his state ovr 5 years...the 2002 riots were milked for all they were worth in the last election ..it was a tragedy and a lapse, but the stae, unlike the directionless Congress party, has moved on to developmental issues.

The so called progressive media refuses to acknowledge his record in governance that cannot be beaten by any of the 25 states in India...and Modi was awarded the Best Chief Minister citation by none other than the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation!

THe West has erred in denying a visa to Modi. They may soon have to reverse that decision. If only more staes in India had Chief Ministers like Mody we would be progressing far more rapidly than we are now on the economic front.

Uday, Pune, India

Narinder Modi is hadworking and shrude politician He deserved victory.

Mum (Sonia) and Son (Rahul) should serve notice of explanation if not dismissal on each other for failure in elction.

Inder Singh Jamu, London, England

If popular public opinion was a benchmark then Hitler would not have been reviled as he is today.

History will not be kind on Modi and his ilk.

Sami, Kuwait, Kuwait

BJP has won the elections not because of the Hinduistic ideologies the follow, but because of the development of Gujarat. Gujarat has shown vibrant colours, not only in terms of infrastructure growth to the urban, but also to the farmers & the needy.

Narendra Modi was, is and will be a strong leader to take Gujarat on Global Charts.

kartik, Baroda, India

I think it was verdict of his leadership . It was won because of progress he has made in last 10 years. People has reposed faith in his poll promises.

Sanjay Ahirrao,Nashik

Sanjay, nasik, Maharashtra ( INDIA )

I think that The Times has got a very biased view of the Gujrat elections. Mr. Modi, irrespective of his ideologies, has guided the state's economic development with a professional touch. He can give a lesson or two in economics to our LSE educated PM, who has miserably failed to lead India in the right direction.

As for the riots blame game is concerned, it's politics as usual; nothing more, nothing less!

Ashish Deodhar, Mumbai, India

One wonders if this win by Hindu nationalists will just be confined to Gujarat. The BJP gets its ideology from an extremist Hindu organisation called RSS. The real battle in India over the next few years will be between the Hindu nationalists and the secularists. I hope India does not become a facist Hindu state.

Jacob, London, UK

The election was won due to the progressive thinking of his government and development works done in the past 5 years. It is not an easy task to sustain more than 10 percent economic growth for a long period of time but precisely that's what his government has achieved.

Manish, London, UK

Well at least the Hindus seem to know what Islamist threat really is.

alan, Montreal, Canada