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President Kalam will steer
clear of controversy

Sheela Bhatt in New Delhi

President A P J Abdul Kalam is likely to steer clear of controversy during his two-day visit of riot-torn Gujarat.

The President's visit, his first engagement outside Delhi after assuming office, has caused quite a stir in the political circles.

At Sunday night's dinner at Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's residence for members of Parliament, President Kalam's Gujarat visit seemed to be the only topic of discussion followed, of course, by Chief Election Commissioner J M Lyngdoh tongue-lashing to Gujarat officials.

The entire political establishment is closely watching the visit. "If he criticises the Modi government, he will create bad blood. If he keeps silent, it will harm his image. Both way his [President Kalam's] visit looks like a bad political move," a Bharatiya Janata Party MP said.

Sources in the Rashtrapati Bhavan, however, do not agree with this view. "The President knows the traditions of the high office he holds. He will see it all. He will visit the places hit by riots. But if he has any opinion on it, he would share it with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Why should he share it with the media?" a source close to the President asked.

"Anyway, this is what we understand of the situation," he added.

When asked about President Kalam's agenda for the Gujarat visit, he said: "President wanted to visit Sabarmati Ashram before August 15. It's a well-known fact that he celebrates Gandhiji. He wanted to pay his respects [to the Mahatma] by visiting the ashram founded by Gandhiji."

When asked about the timing of the visit, the source said: "Today is his mentor Vikram Sarabhai's birth anniversary. What can be a more fit occasion to visit his widow Mrinalini Sarabhai?"

The President has not prepared any text or speech for his Gujarat visit, he said.

Since the Gujarat earthquake of January 26, 2001, Kalam had taken keen interest in setting up homes for the poor. A non-government organisation managed by him provided cheap and simple technology to build housing colonies.

One such colony was built near Bhuj and the President is likely to visit the place.

The Sabarmati in Flames: Complete Coverage

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