Modi factor plays out at BJP meet

L K Advani skips Goa national executive; JD(U) may not be against Modi becoming poll panel chief; Decision on giving Gujarat chief minister a larger stage might be taken today

The possible elevation of Narendra Modi as the chairman of BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party)’s election campaign committee has led to a rift between party senior L K Advani and the Gujarat chief minister.

The senior-most BJP leader is said to be so annoyed with the move that he has, probably for the first time in the party’s history, skipped the national executive. The three-day event, including the office-bearers’ meeting, began in Goa yesterday.

Modi might be facing opposition within his own party. But his rivals in the Janata Dal (United), especially Sharad Yadav and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, have given their consent to BJP leaders to make Modi the leader of the election campaign committee. Senior members of JD(U) have categorically said Modi’s elevation will neither break the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) nor the Bihar government.

“We have no problem with Narendra Modi’s elevation in BJP,” said a close aide of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. “He can be made the chairman of the election committee or given any designation. Our only issue is about the Prime Ministerial candidate of NDA. We cannot change our position on that issue.” Kumar had given an ultimatum to the BJP to clarify its stand on the prime ministerial candidate of the party by December.

Advani’s reason for absence was blamed on health. “L K Advani is not well,” said BJP’s Prakash Javadekar. “Doctors have advised him to rest for three to four days. He will not come on Sunday as well. The BJP leadership will make an announcement on Sunday which will ensure that there is new energy and enthusiasm.”

Senior leaders of the BJP said Modi was among the few members of the party who had not spoken to Advani or enquired about his health problems. Sushma Swaraj is said to be trying to convince party chief Rajnath Singh to postpone a decision on elevating Modi.

The move is also being backed by the representatives of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

An announcement would be made after Advani has agreed to it, Swaraj reportedly told Singh. A sizable section within the party leadership wants Singh to make a formal announcement on Modi on Sunday.

“Rajnath Singh has told all senior leaders of BJP that if L K Advani cannot come for the national executive, he will go to meet him once he reaches Delhi after the national executive,” said a BJP leader.

Most senior leaders, including Singh and Swaraj, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, had tried to convince Advani to attend the national executive in Goa, sources said.

Modi supporters protest outside Advani’s residence
A small group of Narendra Modi’s supporters on Saturday protested outside the residence of BJP leader L K Advani for “opposing” a bigger role for the Gujarat chief minister in the party. The protesters, calling themselves Narendra Modi’s Army, shouted pro-Modi slogans outside Advani’s 30, Prithviraj Road, residence. The BJP veteran had skipped the party’s national executive in Goa citing health issues. The protesters, holding placards saying “Narendra Modi Zindabad” and “Bring Modi as Prime Minister”, demanded that Advani step aside and allow Modi to assume a greater role. “We have come here because we want Advani to step aside and let Modi come forward. Advani should have announced Modi’s candidature for prime ministership in Goa,” a protester said. Another said, “Our main demand is that Modi should be declared as the Prime Ministerial candidate.”