Hindu nationalist politicians filmed describing their role in Gujarat riots
October 26, 2007 7:23 am Gujarat RiotsBJP dismisses Gujarat riot claims, BBC, october 26, 2007
India’s main opposition party has dismissed claims that its government in the state of Gujarat supported violence against Muslims in 2002.
The allegations against the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party BJP were made in secret video recordings by the Tehelka magazine.
They have also been broadcast on local television.
The BJP has described the allegations as a conspiracy hatched by India’s governing Congress party.
Elections are due in Gujarat next month.
According to official figures, more than 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, died in the 2002 riots. Independent groups placed the figure closer to 2,000.
A spokesman for the BJP, Prakash Javdekar, described the Tehelka report as an election stunt stage-managed by Congress.He said it was a sting operation based on rumours and hearsay.
In the secret video footage, apparently filmed over six months, several hardline Hindu politicians, mostly belonging to the BJP, are seen describing how they carried out the violence against the Muslim community, often with graphic details.