Uproar over Modi's comment on 2002 riots: Who said what

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi’s comments on the 2002 riots created a huge uproar with leaders across political parties slamming the BJP leader. Leaders from the Samajwadi Party, CPI(M), CPI and JD(U) said he had compared muslims to a ‘puppy’ and should apologise for the “humiliating” remarks. When asked about the 2002 riots in an interview with Reuters, Modi said “Any person if we are driving a car, we are a driver, and someone else is driving a car and we’re sitting behind, even then if a puppy comes under the wheel, will it be painful or not? Of course it is. If I’m a chief minister or not, I’m a human being. If something bad happens anywhere, it is natural to be sad.” [caption id=“attachment_952331” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Narendra Modi. Reuters[/caption] Here are some reactions to Modi’s comment: Kamal Farooqi (SP): What does Modi mean by saying ‘if a puppy comes under a car?’ Is he equating Muslims with puppies? It is very disturbing. I as a Muslim and Indian have strong comments against Modi and I think he should apologise to the nation. Nirmala Sitharaman (BJP): Debate is welcome on Modi’s interview, but making false interpretations is unfortunate. It is despicable that people think Modi compared the Muslim community to a dog. Sanjay Jha (Congress): SIT report is not a clean chit to Modi over riots. It is being challenged as we speak. Shivanand Tiwari: I don’t think Modi is mentally stable. He needs psychoanalysis. Modi’s comments prove that he does not believe inclusive politics. D Raja (CPI): It a desperate attempt to deceive people and hoodwink the Indian masses. Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena): We welcome Modi’s stand. It was our strong belief from the time of Balasaheb Thackarey that the nation’s leadership should be in the hands of a Hindutva leader. Modi’s stand will benefit NDA With inputs from PTI