Narendra Modi showcases testimonials from Justice Krishna Iyer, N Vittal

Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi, who has launched a " Vivekananda Yuva Vikas Yatra" in the run-up to the assembly elections due later this year, has now showcased letters written to him by former Supreme Court judge VR Krishna Iyer and former chief vigilance commissioner N Vittal in his praise. Modi, who turned 62 on Monday, wrote on his blog:
"Today, I am sharing some self-explanatory letters in front of you. In the midst of these mistruths, it will be very easy to figure out what the truth is. " Two of the letters have been written by Justice Iyer, 98, who has been a civil rights activist and is known for his leftist leanings. Justice Iyer's testimonial to Modi may come as a surprise to many, but it is not the first time the former Supreme Court judge has praised Modi. Earlier, the Gujarat chief minister had showcased a letter written to "my dear venerable Modi" by Justice Iyer in July last year. Taking a jibe at his detractors, Modi wrote on his blog on Monday: "During this journey of 4000 days, I have also been the target of several lies, exaggerations and half-truths from some sections with vested interests. It further ruffles their feathers when these very elements fail to secure any response from me ... Yet, in contrast to these canards spread by those with a destructive mindset, I have also received several very touching pearls of wisdom, appreciation and ideas that have enriched me immensely." Modi then reproduced two letters from Justice Iyer and one by N Vittal. In the first letter published by Modi, Justice Iyer writes, "I am immensely happy with your letter and the great energy radicalism you have achieved. How I wish Indian political leadership had the same inventive or at least innovative march with one vision: to wipe every tear from every eye." In the second letter, Justice Iyer writes, "You are a super patriot and your stature is beyond any particular party. Do continue the national mission you have undertaken. Indian history of the 20th century will not be complete without an excellent reference to the majestic contribution you have made in the field of Indian Energy Unlimited." In his letter to Modi, former CVC N Vittal writes, "You have set before our nation an excellent example of what can be achieved if absolute political integrity and commitment to good governance are combined in a leader. You have also shown how openness to new ideas and political courage to take even unpopular but sound decisions in the interest of development and good governance can work wonders." As reported earlier, Modi is seeking to boost his electoral prospects by using the image and inspiring words of Swami Vivekananda. He also plans to score poll points by distributing volleyballs with Vivekananda's photos and quotes among the youth. The department of youth, culture and sports of the Gujarat government has placed orders worth around Rs 15 crore with four Meerut-based companies for supplying 35,000 cricket kits and 70,000 volleyballs with photos and messages of Vivekananda — and also some messages by Modi — printed on them. Meerut companies have outsourced the stitching of these volleyballs to Jalandhar-based firms, which have finished the work and despatched the boxes. Apart from the face of India's most popular spiritual leader, a Gujarat government logo, 'Swami Vivekananda Janma Jayanti, Gujarat', is embossed on the volleyballs. -->