The world’s leading daily newspaper The New York Times in its Sunday edition, writes that Narendra Modi, who was the Chief of Gujarat state when around 1,000 Muslim people were savagely killed during the riots in 2002 has emerged as the leading candidate for Prime Minister Office.

It writes that the country’s 138 million Muslims and its many other minorities are very much worried with his elevation and there are apprehensions in the people that he would intensify religious tensions that have subsided somewhat in the last decade. But, Modi supporters are arguing that he was given clean chit by Supreme Court of India, writes NYT.

The NYT opines that the Congress led UPA Government thrusting ahead with development activities in all sectors but fails to capitalize of it. Instead of coming with new ideas and leaders, it is likely to be led in the coming election by Rahul Gandhi, the inexperienced scion of the Nehru-Gandhi family. But, Modi was able to fuel the Hindu nationalism outrage.

The NYT further writes that Modi has shown no ability to work with opposition parties or tolerate dissent. And he has already alienated political partners; this summer, an important regional party broke off its 17-year alliance with the B.J.P. because it found Mr. Modi unacceptable.

It also underwrites Modi’s tall claims about Gujarat development. It states Muslims in Gujarat state are the poorer than the rest in the country, though the poverty mark of the state is lower than rest of the states.

Finally it concludes with a foot note stating Modi cannot hope to lead the country effectively if he inspires fear and aversion among the crores of people with multiple religions, more than a dozen major languages and numerous ethnic groups and tribes. Obviously, BJP condemns this report and said the news agency wrote this without knowing the ground realities of the country.