This story is from May 15, 2008

We won't let Rajasthan go Gujarat way: Raje

JAIPUR: You can almost hear her say: "Why here? Why Rajasthan?" After all, this is a peace-loving state. Small wonder, CM Vasundhara Raje has yet to come to terms with the fact that Tuesday's blasts have changed all that and Rajasthan is now a part of the ever-expanding terror map.
During her schedule during the day, she spoke exclusively to TOI. Excerpts from the interview.
You were quite shaken up after your visit to the blast sites. How has the tragedy affected you personally?
I am shocked. The only reason I could keep a control over my feelings while meeting the injured, was the fact that I had already been informed about how bad the situation was. It was heartbreaking.
This is for the first time in my life that I have seen a terror attack so closely and it is hard to believe that a state so peaceful and fun-loving can become such a soft target for terrorists.
How is the state coping?
I have to admit that even when I was at the blasts site, I could experience the courage shown by the people. There were people from both communities, who were voluntarily donating blood; helping victims without wondering which community the other belonged to.
So, did the state fear a communal backlash?
Personally, I trust my people enough to know that such a thing would not happen. It is easy to react violently and then arises a situation where one seeks justice by attacking the other, leaving no choice for people of that community to go and sit in the laps of terrorists.
This attack was done with the aim of disrupting communal harmony in the state. I am glad that the state authority and the people of Rajasthan have ruined their cha-nce. One thing I was sure of is that Rajasthan cannot be allowed ��� and would not ��� go the Gujarat way.
What is your primary focus now?

Fighting terrorism. Fighting terrorism. The government and people are all united in our fight against terror.
Your message to people.
I thank them for the courage they have shown. Please maintain peace and patience that you have shown since the attacks.
Download The Times of India News App for Latest City .
Get the app