Modi falsely implicated in Godhra case, says Gadkari

"The Congress is misusing the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation), the home ministry and judiciary against the BJP and Modi. There is a conspiracy against him," Gadkari said.

"Modi is being targeted by the Congress, which is playing vindictive politics as the party cannot defeat BJP in Gujarat," he told reporters here.

Gadkari asked why was the affidavit by senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Sanjeev Bhatt, implicating the chief minister, filed so many years after the riots.

He added that Gujarat's retired Director General of Police (DGP) has said that Bhatt was not present at the meeting where Modi allegedly said the Muslims need to be taught "a lesson" for the Feb 27, 2002, Godhra train burning that left 59 Kar Sevaks dead and that Hindus should "be allowed to vent their anger".

Gadkari was in Mumbai to welcome former BJP legislator Hemendra Mehta back into the party.

Answering queries from reporters, Gadkari also rubbished allegations about BJP national treasurer Piyush Goel having links with 2G scam tainted DB Realty.

Welcoming the arrest of former chief of the Commonwealth Games (CWG) Organising Committee Suresh Kalmadi, Gadkari said: “This is just the tip of the iceberg.”

“I hope all those involved, whether they are central ministers, Delhi's chief minister or anyone, CBI should take strict action against them. Only then can CBI win people’s  confidence,” he added.

Gadkari said that the Organising Committee initially had a budget of Rs.12,000.
“But what answers do they have about spending Rs.76,000 crore on this (Commonwealth Games)?” he asked.

In the backdrop of arrest of Kalmadi in connection with the Queens Baton scam, Gadkari said that CBI should consider other names involved in the scam.

"As the funds sanctioned to Kalmadi were approved by PMO, a cabinet sub-committee, Finance Committee and a Group of Ministers, it is the moral responsibility of the Prime Minister to take action against all those involved in the scam," Gadkari said.

Responding to allegations against BJP national treasurer Piyush Goel of having links with DB Realty, Gadkari said Goel had merely offered his services as a chartered accountant to the company when it came up with an IPO.