Nrendra Modi goes on fast to depict himself as moderate

NEW DELHI: A pro-business Hindu leader who some think could be India's next prime minister began a “harmony" fast on Saturday to soften his image that was hurt by religious riots that claimed hundreds of mostly Muslim victims nearly a decade ago.

Seizing the moment after the Supreme Court referred to a lower court a case in which he was accused of complicity in the 2002 violence, Narendra Modi, chief minister of Gujarat state, is using a three-day fast to depict himself as a moderate.

"My three-day fast is not against anyone," Modi, wearing a white turban, told supporters as he entered an air-conditioned hall in Ahmedabad, capital of Gujarat, where he will conduct his fast.

"It is for peace and communal harmony. Through my fast, I want to reach out to more people," said Modi, flanked by senior members of his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) opposition party, in comments broadcast live on national television.

Hundreds of supporters sang hymns as he entered the hall.