Stung BJP hits out at Nitish over Modi remarks

Stung by Nitish Kumar's attack, BJP today hit out at him, saying he is "nobody" to give certificate on secularism to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi even as voices grew within the party hailing the leadership of veteran leader L K Advani.
The resentment in BJP over Kumar's scathing attack on Modi yesterday was amply clear with several leaders feeling that Kumar had "almost gone to a point of no return".
BJP President Rajnath acknowledged that an "unfortunate situation" has arisen in the wake of JD(U) stance but expressed confidence that it will be resolved.
BJP came out in strong defence of Modi, saying Kumar "does not have to speak" on Modi's credentials.

"So far as any allegation, accusation against our CM is concerned, we completely abhor that and Kumar is nobody whose certificate is required so far as that particular aspect is concerned," BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi told reporters.
While referring to JD(U) as an "old ally", Lekhi rubbed in the point that Kumar was a part of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government when the Godhra incident took place and still continues to be a part of the NDA.

"In 2002 (when Gujarat riots took place) also, Nitish Kumar was a part of our (NDA) government. During the Sabarmati Express incident (Godhra, 2002), he was the Rail minister," Lekhi said.

Insisting that "there is nobody in the BJP who is not secular", she said BJP will consult its allies before deciding on who would be its PM candidate but made it clear that it is in no mood for a compromise.
The party's strong defence of Modi came even as there were voices within the party which suggested that Advani would be a prefered choice for NDA's Prime Ministerial face.
Senior leader Yashwant Sinha told a newspaper that if the "seniormost" and "respected" leader Advani is "available", that should end the debate over Prime Ministerial nominee.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who is also considered a contender for the Prime Ministerial race from the BJP, said Advani was the "tallest leader".