Modi for PM; JD-U free to go: Yashwant Sinha
29 Jan 2013 7:42 AM IST
Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi found a new supporter in his race to become the face of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the 2014 general elections. Senior leader Yashwant Sinha on Monday became the first leader within the party to pitch for Modi as the prime ministerial candidate.
‘After careful thought, I have concluded that if BJP declares Modi as its prime ministerial candidate, it will have a big impact on the voters,’ said Sinha.
Sinha’s remarks have surprised many in BJP as he was perceived to be close to LK Advani who does not share a rosy relation with the Gujarat chief minister.
However, some party leaders feel that Sinha backing Modi is an attempt by the former external affairs minister to keep a check on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) which might make things difficult for him in the wake of his opposition towards Gadkari.
‘Modi is one leader who can keep RSS at bay like he has done in Gujarat,’ said a BJP leader. Though RSS supports Modi’s elevation to the centre, they are aware of the dictatorial way in which he functions, he added.
BJP refrained from commenting on the issue. ‘Why is the media concerned? The party would take an appropriate decision when the time comes,’ said leader of opposition, Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj.
With regards to ally Janata Dal-United’s (JD-U) reservations about Modi being the face of the NDA, Sinha, said if JD-U does not agree, they can leave the alliance. ‘If any party goes, a number of parties will come. JD-U is absolutely free. If they take a position, they should take it only after careful consideration,’ said Sinha. JD-U however, was not too pleased with Sinha’s comment.
‘After careful thought, I have concluded that if BJP declares Modi as its prime ministerial candidate, it will have a big impact on the voters,’ said Sinha.
Sinha’s remarks have surprised many in BJP as he was perceived to be close to LK Advani who does not share a rosy relation with the Gujarat chief minister.
However, some party leaders feel that Sinha backing Modi is an attempt by the former external affairs minister to keep a check on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) which might make things difficult for him in the wake of his opposition towards Gadkari.
‘Modi is one leader who can keep RSS at bay like he has done in Gujarat,’ said a BJP leader. Though RSS supports Modi’s elevation to the centre, they are aware of the dictatorial way in which he functions, he added.
BJP refrained from commenting on the issue. ‘Why is the media concerned? The party would take an appropriate decision when the time comes,’ said leader of opposition, Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj.
With regards to ally Janata Dal-United’s (JD-U) reservations about Modi being the face of the NDA, Sinha, said if JD-U does not agree, they can leave the alliance. ‘If any party goes, a number of parties will come. JD-U is absolutely free. If they take a position, they should take it only after careful consideration,’ said Sinha. JD-U however, was not too pleased with Sinha’s comment.
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