Still in two minds on Modi, BJP meets RSS to discuss Assembly elections

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) began a two-day co-ordination committee meeting here on Sunday, amid speculation over Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi being named as the party's prime ministerial candidate.

Senior BJP leaders said the main agenda was not to finalise a name for the PM's post but to formulate a strategy for the coming Assembly elections. Later this year, elections are scheduled in Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram and Rajasthan.

"Both RSS and BJP have a strong cadre in these states. The meeting was held to co-ordinate how the BJP and its affiliated organisations would prepare for the elections," said a BJP leader.

These leaders said even if a decision was taken on the PM candidate, it will be announced after a meeting of the BJP's parliamentary board. Sunday's meeting was attended by Parliamentary board members including L K Advani, leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj, leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley, BJP President Rajnath Singh and Murli Manohar Joshi. The Gujarat chief minister also attended.

On Sunday, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat held a separate meeting with Advani and Swaraj. Bhagwat is believed to have asked both to agree on Modi's name.

On Thursday, Modi had downplayed his prime ministerial aspirations by saying he could remain in Gujarat till 2017. This was interpreted as Modi's frustration with the Delhi leadership for not naming him soon enough as the PM candidate.

However, a BJP member of Parliament from Gujarat said there was unanimity within the party over the candidature of Modi and a formal decision could come soon. "He has the largest backing by the cadre. They will have to announce soon," he said.