Ahmedabad: In an apparent fence-mending exercise, the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) has expressed regret for "causing hurt" to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and said the business chamber was committed to the development of the state.

CII director general Tarun Das flew to Ahmedabad from Delhi and met Modi recently to mollify him, who did not take kindly to sharp criticism of his government's handling of post-Godhra communal riots in Gujarat last year at two key gatherings organised by the chamber in Delhi.

A CII press release on March 6 quoted Das as saying, "CII would never wish to hurt, offend or cause pain to any state or any Chief Minister and there was never any intention to cause pain and offence to Gujarat or its CM.

"CII had the honour to do many activities in Gujarat for its development and wished to continue to do so," it said, adding CII would work with the state government sincerely and in a sustainable manner.

Das said he requested Modi to renew the partnership between the state government and CII in a bid to work together for growth and prosperity of Gujarat and the Chief Minister responded positively and confirmed the government would work with CII, the release added.

Last month, at a meeting organised by CII in Delhi, two top industrialists had questioned Modi about law and order situation with reference to post-Godhra violence.

PTI