Modi's inclusion in BJP parliamentary board hailed

, Mar 31: Gujarat Chief Minister

's induction in the

parliamentary board was hailed by senior party leaders from Bihar who described it as a "right step in the direction of the former's projection as the prime ministerial candidate for 2014 general elections".

"It is a matter of joy that Modi has been inducted in our party's parliamentary board - an apex decision making body," former state unit chief C P Thakur told reporters.

"I join Bihar BJP leaders and the rank and file in congratulating the Gujarat Chief Minister for his elevation in the hierarchy and wish him all the best for a bright future," he said. Asked about the reported lack of consensus in the BJP leadership and the NDA allies on Modi's projection as the prime ministerial candidate, Thakur, who has been made national vice-presidents in party president Rajnath Singh's new team, said that the issue will take care of itself in the time to come.

"An opinion is shaping among the people about Modi being the best choice for the post of prime minister," the senior BJP leader said, adding that the issue will take care of itself in due course of time within the party and with the allies. Thakur said the new BJP team will be driven by the motto to bring the party and the NDA back to power in 2014 general election or even earlier in the event of snap polls.

PTI