Modi addresses NRI community in New
York via satellite
New York, March 21, 2005
The US decision to deny him visa to visit the country
did not stop Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi
from doing business.
Modi addressed the NRI community in New York via
satellite from Gandhinagar on Sunday evening.
But surprisingly, it was a much toned down Modi,
who addressed crowds at the city's Madison Square
Garden.
'No grievances'
Just hours after attacking US President George W.
Bush during the Swabhiman rally in Ahmedabad, Modi
told those gathered that he had no grievances against
the Americans.
"I have no grievance against the US or the people
of that country over the visa denial issue,"
he said.
Coming out in support of the Gujarat Chief Minister
was leading US Congressman and founder of the India
Caucus group Frank Pallone, who told the audience
that Modi should have been given the visa.
"Allegations against Modi haven't been proven
and he should have been given a visa," Pallone
said.
Divided community
But while there was support for Modi inside, there
were strong protests outside the venue.
There were people supporting the American government's
decision to deny Modi a visa, an indication of how
badly divided the Indian-American community is over
the issue.
Modi is scheduled to address a conference organised
by the Asian American Hotel Owners Association on
March 24.
That may or may not happen, but the organisers have
denied reports that his invitation had been cancelled.
(NDTV)
