Narendra modi biography bbc winston churchill

Few politicians have done so much to polarise Indian public opinion in recent years as Gujarat's Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

Mr Modi has been referred to by some critics as the merchant of death.

He hit the headlines in 2002, when he was accused of failing to halt some of the worst religious violence India has ever seen.

Narendra modi biography bbc winston churchill speeches

Riots erupted after dozens of Hindu pilgrims were killed in a train fire in the town of Godhra.

More than 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, died in the ensuing violence.

His opponents say he indirectly egged on Hindu mobs who are believed to have led most of the attacks.

His supporters say he could have done little under the circumstances to prevent the violence.

Narendra modi biography bbc winston churchill

But since then, Mr Modi has been seen as the face of militant Hinduism.

He may polarise public opinion in India but he has also been credited for bringing prosperity and development to Gujarat.

A lover of expensive clothes, he is considered to be business fr