Decision on Narendra Modi’s elevation likely on Sunday

There is speculation that the BJP could announce on Sunday the name of Gujarat CM Narendra Modi as the head of the party’s election committee.

Zee Media Bureau

Panaji: Amid reports of opposition from several senior leaders, there is speculation that the BJP could announce on Sunday the name of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as the head of the party’s election committee. Sunday would be the last day of BJP’s three-day Goa conclave which began on Friday. The crucial meeting of BJP’s parliamentary board was held today amid expectations that a broad consensus on Modi will emerge that will pave way for his elevation as the party’s 2014 Lok Sabha poll campaign chief. Modi, who is being touted as the BJP `s possible prime ministerial candidate and the one who will lead the party`s 2014 General Election campaign, was given a rousing welcome by BJP supporters and leaders soon after his arrival here this morning. He was received by Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and other senior party leaders. Modi, however, did not speak about his expectations from the BJP national executive. Senior BJP leader LK Advani today skipped the first day of the BJP conclave citing health reasons, setting off speculation about growing rift within the party over Modi’s elevation. Late in the night, there were conflicting reports on whether Advani will arrive in Goa tomorrow. The national executive - a group of about 300 leaders, including chief ministers – will meet tomorrow for a two-day session to discuss the BJP`s strategy for approaching state elections and next year`s General Election. The other items on the agenda on Saturday are several resolutions ranging from issues related to national pride and security, among others, which will be passed by the members. It will also pass resolutions on the manner in which corruption and malgovernance were eating into the national polity and how constitutional bodies were being tampered with to protect corrupt leaders in power. The BJP had earlier downplayed reports that Modi will head the campaign committee for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, and said that party chief Rajnath Singh will take a final call on it at an appropriate time. BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar lauded Modi, saying he is one of the most respected and successful BJP chief ministers. "Narendra Modi is our most senior and successful chief minister. He is quite popular among the people throughout the country and has become a symbol of corruption-free governance," said Javadekar. "Now, what responsibilities he should be given and when he should be given that is a subject for the parliamentary board and the national president. The national president will make announcements at an appropriate time," he added. (With agency inputs)