Why BJP hesitating to declare Narendra Modi as PM candidate

New Delhi, March 17: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Rajnath Singh seems to have impressed by Narendra Modi's nation-wide popularity but his hesitation to declare the Gujarat Chief Minister as party's PM candidate upset many.

Speaking about the BJP's PM nominee, Rajnath Singh recently has been quoted as saying, "It will be decided by the party's central parliamentary board. But one cannot deny his popularity."

Singh's statement surfaced following the speculations that Modi is one of the most deserving candidate for the prestigious post for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The poll is expected to be held in 2014.

Meanwhile, Singh also overruled all rumours on BJP and its senior leader LK Advani. Rejecting all speculations about Advani's removal from the core group of decision-making in the BJP, Singh said, "It is completely baseless that he (Advani) is not in the decision-making team. He is not only our senior leader but also a pioneer for the party. He will remain a torch-bearer for the BJP."

Narendra Modi's popularity has been increasing day by day. The Gujarat CM received huge response following his two successful speeches at Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) and India Today Conclave 13 in New Delhi.

Facing questions about his desire to become the prime minister of the country, Modi was quoted as saying, "I have never dreamt of becoming someone in life. I have always tried to do something. Mostly people dream of becoming someone and die. I have never followed this."

"Till I had become Chief Minister, I had never dreamt of becoming so. I have never even met an astrologer to tell me that I will become a Chief Minister," he added.

"My work is my USP. I have to take it forward. I don't think there is anything wrong in me that I need to change. If there are any shortcomings in my style of functioning, if I feel there are or if somebody points them out to me, I will change, because I have to work for the people. I have to take them along. But, I don't think there is anything wrong in my USP which needs to be changed," said the Gujarat Chief Minister.

OneIndia News