Singhal hails Modi's appointment as BJP campaign panel chief

VHP chief urges L K Advani to give his blessings to Gujarat CM, says Modi is people's choice

Welcoming Narendra Modi's appointment as BJP's campaign committee head, VHP chief Ashok Singhal said the party has honoured the sentiments of the entire country by appointing the Gujarat Chief Minister to the post.

Singhal also asked party stalwart L K Advani, who stayed away from the party's national executive in Goa, to give his blessings to Modi claiming that the people of the country want to see the Gujarat CM as Prime Minister.

Talking to reporters at Vanprastha Ashram in Rishikesh yesterday, the VHP leader said in the present political circumstances people looked towards Modi with great hope.

Charging the UPA with failure in running the affairs of the country both internally and on diplomatic front, Singhal said, "Enemy countries are flexing their muscles along the borders and the centre watches helplessly.People are in a mood to hand over the reigns of power to a strong leader".

Yog guru Ramdev also congratulated Modi on his appointment as the party's campaign panel chief, saying it was a step in the right direction.

"This is a step in the right direction.But the party should now declare Modi as the prime ministerial candidate because he is the only leader who can rid the country of Congress' corrupt rule," Ramdev told reporters in Haridwar.

Refusing to attach much importance to Advani-Modi debate, Ramdev said it is not a serious issue.

"Advani is no doubt BJP's seniormost leader and I am sure he will definitely give his blessings to Modi," he said.