BJP drops Modi bomb to thwart Rahul offensive
17 Jan 2013 7:40 AM IST
There is no escape for Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi from facing Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi as the principal opponent in 2014 Lok Sabha polls. With BJP president Nitin Gadkari’s second term at office becoming a certainty, it’s now clear that Modi will head the party’s campaign committee in the upcoming general elections.
‘Becoming the in-charge of the campaign committee is Modi’s first step towards the centre,’ a BJP leader said on Wednesday. Sources added that the appointment of Modi will formally take place once the election process for party president is completed.
Modi’s elevation as head of the campaign committee also means a direct contest with Rahul Gandhi, who has already been projected as the face of Congress campaign. Though both Modi and Rahul are not seen as prime ministerial candidates of their respective parties, BJP’s latest move just ahead of the Congress ‘Chintar Shivir’ is seen as a strategic ploy to pip the Gujarat CM against Rahul.
With BJP demanding a tougher stance by the government amidst simmering tension on the LoC following the beheading of two Indian soldiers by the Pakistan army, Modi’s pro-Hindutava stand might provide him with a perfect launch pad at the national stage.
BJP leaders too agree with the decision to make Modi in-charge of the campaign committee which they feel is a suitable arrangement as he could remain the chief minister of Gujarat while discharging national duty.
Modi’s elevation as the campaign head, and not the prime ministerial face, is also viewed as a step that won’t displease BJP allies. Janata Dal (United) in particular has been critical of Modi and its head, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, didn’t event attend Modi’s swearing in ceremony.
There are also indications that Modi could be inducted in the parliamentary board of the party, as BJP will reconstitute its core group and office bearers once the new president is elected.
The chants for Modi as the prime ministerial candidate had gained clamour after his third consecutive win in Gujarat. Sources have also indicated that Rashtriya Swamsevak Sangh (RSS) and BJP have come to a consensus that Modi could not be restricted within the state.
‘Becoming the in-charge of the campaign committee is Modi’s first step towards the centre,’ a BJP leader said on Wednesday. Sources added that the appointment of Modi will formally take place once the election process for party president is completed.
Modi’s elevation as head of the campaign committee also means a direct contest with Rahul Gandhi, who has already been projected as the face of Congress campaign. Though both Modi and Rahul are not seen as prime ministerial candidates of their respective parties, BJP’s latest move just ahead of the Congress ‘Chintar Shivir’ is seen as a strategic ploy to pip the Gujarat CM against Rahul.
With BJP demanding a tougher stance by the government amidst simmering tension on the LoC following the beheading of two Indian soldiers by the Pakistan army, Modi’s pro-Hindutava stand might provide him with a perfect launch pad at the national stage.
BJP leaders too agree with the decision to make Modi in-charge of the campaign committee which they feel is a suitable arrangement as he could remain the chief minister of Gujarat while discharging national duty.
Modi’s elevation as the campaign head, and not the prime ministerial face, is also viewed as a step that won’t displease BJP allies. Janata Dal (United) in particular has been critical of Modi and its head, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, didn’t event attend Modi’s swearing in ceremony.
There are also indications that Modi could be inducted in the parliamentary board of the party, as BJP will reconstitute its core group and office bearers once the new president is elected.
The chants for Modi as the prime ministerial candidate had gained clamour after his third consecutive win in Gujarat. Sources have also indicated that Rashtriya Swamsevak Sangh (RSS) and BJP have come to a consensus that Modi could not be restricted within the state.
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