Projection of Modi as future PM was an 'error of judgement'

A rattled BJP today attributed "collective failure" to its dismal showing in the Lok Sabha elections with a party strategist saying projection of Narendra Modi as future Prime Minister was an "error of judgement".      

"It is a collective failure," BJP General Secretary Arun Jaitley said while conceding defeat to the Congress-led UPA alliance.      

He, however, said there would be no change in party's ideology.      

Putting up a brave face, Jaitley said the BJP honoured the mandate of the people with "due respect".      
Commenting on performance of the party, he said "we performed well in some places but we performed below expectation in some other states.      

BJP's strategist Chandan Mitra said projecting Gujarat Chief Minister Modi as the party's next prime ministerial candidate was a mistake.     

"Bringing up Modi's name in the middle of the campaign was a serious error of judgement," he said, adding the comments in this connection were personal opinion of a senior leader which were seen as the feeling of the party.    

"It was a mistake, though every attempt was made to cover it up," Mitra said.     

BJP leader Arun Shourie had put forward Modi's name as a possible prime ministerial candidate in the 2014 elections, a view which was supported by several party leaders.