Narendra Modi No 1, says Chouhan post Advani controversy

Bhopal, June 3: Days after veteran BJP leader LK Advani's reported controversial remark on Narendra Modi and Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Madhya Pradesh CM finally clarified his stand over the row.

Putting blame on media for misinterpreting Advani's statement, Chouhan on Monday, June 3 claimed that his counterpart in Gujarat is number 1 choice for BJP's PM candidate post and he comes at number 3.

"I stand at number 3. Narendra Modi at number 1 and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh at number 2," said Chouhan who tried to put an end to the controversy.

Speaking about Advani's remark, Chouhan also claimed, "Advani ji praised all Chief Ministers. It should not be taken otherwise."

Advani earlier had praised Chouhan for accelerating the economic growth of Madhya Pradesh. According to the party veteran, Modi had done well in Gujarat, but Chouhan's accomplishment was much greater since he virtually wiped out poverty in his state.

Continuing his statement, Advani also claimed that Chouhan's "lack of arrogance" reflects shades of the party's iconic leader Atal Behari Vajpayee.

Citing the statement, media organisations and other BJP crictics asserted that Advani's remarks were believed to be open rebuke of Modi.

Modi has been praised by the nation over tremendous development in Gujarat under his rule. Advani's remark ahead of general elections created controversy within BJP. The Lok Sabha election is believed to be held in 2014 and BJP claimed that the party would announce its PM candidate at a "right time".

OneIndia News