After father's praise, Sukhbir comes out in Modi's support

Says Modi has "strong public appeal" and "proven track record"

Days after his father and Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal praised Narendra Modi and asked him to go beyond Gujarat, SAD chief Sukhbir Badal also threw his weight behind the Gujarat Chief Minister, saying he has "strong public appeal" and "proven track record."

"Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi could be a candidate for Prime Minister's post. He is a capable leader, and has done remarkable development work in Gujarat. Many states are following practices adopted by his state," Sukhbir, the Punjab Deputy Chief Minister, said here today.

His statement comes amid growing clamour in BJP to declare Modi as the party's Prime Ministerial candidate.
 

Shiromani Akali Dal, a key constituent of NDA, had earlier said it would support any leader selected by BJP as its Prime Ministerial candidate, and today, Sukhbir reiterated his party's stand.

Throwing his weight behind Modi, Sukhbir cited importance of the "Gujarat strongman's public appeal and his track-record."

Sukhbir also hailed the capital punishment for the Delhi gang rape accused.