Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi (file pic)
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh or RSS met top BJP leaders LK Advani, Sushma Swaraj and party president Rajnath Singh on Sunday as the move to name
Narendra Modi the BJP's candidate for prime minister gains ground.
The RSS reportedly wants the announcement to be made soon. But Mr Advani, the senior-most leader of the BJP, suggests that it would be prudent to wait till crucial Assembly elections in five states are over.
Mr Advani leads a group of party leaders, including Ms Swaraj, who oppose Mr Modi's elevation.
Assembly elections are expected to be held by November this year. Those rooting for the Gujarat Chief Minister suggest he should be projected as the party's face before that so that the BJP can leverage his popularity.
The RSS also wants Mr Modi to have at least six months to build his campaign as the party's presumptive PM for the general elections, due by next May.
But Mr Advani reportedly argues that fronting Mr Modi now could polarise Muslim votes in favour of the Congress in the Assembly elections. The Congress and other rivals accuse Mr Modi of not doing enough to prevent the 2002 Gujarat riots, in which hundreds of people, mostly Muslims, were killed under his watch.
Yesterday, Rajnath Singh said at a public meeting that it was unfair to blame Mr Modi for the Gujarat riots. "I agree an unfortunate incident took place. Who does not agree that it was unfortunate? Attempts were made to blame Narendra Modi as if the riots were planned by the Chief Minister. He (Modi) looks so sad...what is wrong with the people?" the BJP chief said.
Last week, Mr Singh hosted dinner for all BJP members of Parliament only. An exception was made for Mr Modi; Mr Singh said he was there because he is the party's campaign chief. But his inclusion was interpreted as a clear signal to party leaders that Narendra Modi will lead them.
At the dinner party a relaxed LK Advani was spotted chatting with Mr Modi.