Sunday, May 15 2005 14:24 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Indore: Without naming the former Gujarat Governor Sundar Singh Bhandari, who had created a political flutter by criticising Chief Minister Narendra Modi and BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) leadership for failure to control post-Godhra riots, Madhya Pradesh Governor Dr Balram Jakhar has asked why he (Bhandari) did not probe the issue.

"Now he is remembering that he made mistakes there. Where was he then? Was he flying pigeons?" Jakhar said yesterday (May 14, 2005) while delivering the inaugural address at the annual lecture series of "Abhyas Mandal" on "Hamara Rashtra Hamari Chintain (Our Nation and Our Thoughts)".

"I went to Gujarat to meet the Governor at that time. Why did he not probe the issue? If I do not have the courage to speak the truth, then I do not have the right to become the Governor", Jakhar said.

"I do not belong to any political party as I am the Governor. Whether the Government is of Congress, BJP or SP (Samajwadi Party), I will continue to work in the national interest," Jakhar remarked.

Referring to the pension scam in Indore worth Rs 33 crore, he said, "They (BJP leaders and officials) have swindled the money of handicapped, poor and destitute persons. I have told Chief Minister Babulal Gaur to take strict action against the accused".

Attacking the communal forces, Jakhar that such people have "destroyed" the land of Mahatma Gandhi and divided the legacy of Sardar Vallabhai Patel. They have also divided people of the country on the religious lines, he added.