WikiLeaks says US diplomatic cables never described Narendra Modi as incorruptible

Whistle-blower website WikiLeaks on Monday clarified that the US diplomatic cables released by it in 2011 never described Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) prime ministerial nominee Narendra Modi as "incorruptible" or "the lone honest Indian politician". In a series of tweets posted early Monday morning, the WikiLeaks said the US cables, sent by Mumbai Counsular General Michael S Owen in 2006, had only quoted Rajkot Congress Party leader Manoharsinh Jadeja

The clarification was given with respect to the cables sent by Mumbai consular general Michael S Owen about a meeting with Modi in 2006. The cables were leaked by WikiLeaks in 2011. In the cable, Owen described in detail his meeting with Modi in which the saffron leader had dwelled on the economic progress his state Gujarat was achieving. He also informed in detail about his conversation with Modi on human rights violation in the state during post-Godhra riots.

"Modi provided a glowing overview of his accomplishments in office, including better roads, universal access to electric power, greater availability of water, burgeoning direct investment, and rapid economic growth. Consul General acknowledged progress in many areas, but queried the CM on communal relations in general, and efforts to hold accountable those officials responsible for the violence of 2002 in particular.

A visibly annoyed Modi launched a spirited defense consisting of accusations of USG meddling, attacks on US human rights abuses in Abu Ghraib and elsewhere, and allegations that Muslims were better off in Gujarat than anywhere else in India. A half-hour of give and take on the issue yielded little additional information from Modi, except for an acknowledgement that he understood human rights issues are important to the USG," the cables said.


The BJP also cashed on the opportunity, saying the cables proved that Modi was the lone politician in India to be honest, fearless and clean. They also said that with this cable it seemed US was repenting its denial of visa to Narendra Modi. Modi was denied the visa by the US in 2005 for his alleged inaction in post-Godhra riots in 2002. However, when his prime ministerial campaign gained momentum the west started warming up with him. After the Supreme Court-appointed SIT absolved Modi from the allegations of any role in the Godhra violence, US Ambassador Nancy Powell met Modi in Ahmedabad, reflecting a change in US attitude toward him.