Advani praises Modi's style of functioning

In a clear message to Gujarat dissidents, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief LK Advani today praised the Narendra Modi government and applauded its honesty and effectiveness.

"As per my knowledge the Modi government is functioning well and it is a good example of sound governance and honesty," Advani said in Ahmedabad.

"I have been hearing only good news about the state and the present government is a good example of sound governance that works for the people with honesty and is effective," he said at a public function later in the city.

Though Advani did not say a word about the dissident activity and the campaign to oust Modi, his praise for the chief minister is being seen as a snub to their activities.

The dissidents, who avoided meeting him in Delhi three days ago, greeted him at the airport and some of them were present at the public function where Advani dedicated a park-cum-lake to people. He also said the Gujarat government was honest and he had heard only good reports about the state from various corners.

"The people of Gujarat can take pride in the honesty of the state government," Advani said adding, "whatever good name Modi has earned recently is because of his honest governance, which in turn was a result of good teamwork." "In most of my speeches I always refer to the good work being done in Gujarat," Advani added.

"For instance, when I visited flood-affected regions of Maharashtra including Thane, Raigad, Ratnagari and regions of Karnataka like Bellary and Belgaum, I gave the example of the disaster management work done by the Gujarat government," he said.

The BJP president also referred to the good work done in Kutch, Surat and Morbi and said "soon Gujarat will excel among other regions in the world."

"How many people (in other states) have benefited from such good qualities (of the administration)," Advani asked. "The Modi government has showcased how a state can be developed," he remarked clearly indicative of his stance regarding the leadership issue in Gujarat.

Advani's stance has been ratified by the Sangh Parivar with the RSS stating that senior Delhi leader Madan Lal Khurana's suspension from the party for speaking out against Modi was justified.