Monday, February 7 2005 20:40 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Ranchi: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today (Feb 7, 2005) said Pakistan's refusal to play a cricket test against India in Ahmedabad not only amounted to an insult to the State, but also to the nation.

"I would like to know why Delhi is silent on Pakistan's objection to play in Ahmedabad. Insult to Gujarat amounts to insult to the nation," Modi said.

Asking Islamabad to show sportsmanship and accept the challenge to play in Gujarat, Modi asked why Pakistan did not have any problem when around 250 delegates from that country attended a Lions Club-sponsored convention in Ahmedabad followed by a Pakistani sports team participating in a special Olympics a month ago.

"I think Pakistan has taken the excuse as it is scared of a defeat," he said and added the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Government would be responsible if it yielded to Pakistan's demand for change in venue.

Instead of expressing reservation to play in Gujarat, Modi said Pakistan should stop perpetrating violence in Kashmir.

Modi was in Ranchi to address a public meeting in support of BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) leader C P Singh.