BJP puts Modi in Mumbai mode

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is to be despatched to Mumbai to head the BJP's protest against terrorism to be held on July 16-17.

Modi's choice when the Maharashtra unit is still reeling from the death of Pramod Mahajan and the scattering of the Shiv Sena, is significant.

According to top sources in the party, in a fraught situation like the aftermath of the blasts, there is always a polarisation of the Left and Right wing voters.

"It is very clear that the Shiv Sena is not in a position to take advantage of this, which is why Modi, the most visible face of Hindutva, has been sent to Mumbai," said a senior office-bearer in the party.

The party also tries to explain its choice by saying that the fact that many Gujaratis died in the blasts made Modi the right choice.