Monday, March 21 2005 15:41 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New York: US is reconsidering the denial of visa to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, a leading Congressman and founder of India Caucus group Frank Pallone said today (Mar 21, 2005).

He said that he would work to get Modi's visa restored. "If there is difference of opinion, there should be a dialogue and not attempt to shut out a view point," Pallone said at a meeting convened by the Association of Indian Americans of North America (AIANA).

Modi addressed the meeting via satellite from Gandhinagar after he was denied the US visa.

"The US Government is reconsidering the case," he said adding, however, that he is not sure about the outcome.

Pallone also stressed on the need for India to ensure that it maintains its secular character, saying that religious fundamentalism, whether Christian, Muslim or Hindu, has no place in the modern world.