PM remark shows Cong fears Modi: BJP

Advani to campaign extensively in Gujarat

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's comment that leader of Opposition LK Advani's elevation as the BJP's prime ministerial candidate was a reaction to the fear that Narendra Modi will demand space at the Centre, continued to create ripples in the political circles.

A day after Singh's remark, Advani said that it was tantamount to an admission of defeat by the Congress in Gujarat. "I am a bit surprised at the prime minister's statement. It only shows the Congress has admitted that they cannot compete with Modi in Gujarat. Modi will emerge victorious," he said.

BJP leaders reacted angrily, decrying the PM's comment on their internal affairs. It was an unusually aggressive comment by Prime Minister Singh and took many in the BJP by surprise.

"It is a virtual admission of defeat by the Congress, if it feels that Modi is larger than life. After all, Modi is the chief minister of a state and till now, his role in national politics has been limited. Therefore, why his name should be dragged into a party decision taken at the central level is beyond us," said a senior leader in the party.

Advani, meanwhile, will be travelling to Gujarat on Thursday and will remain in the state till the second phase of polling on December 16.

After casting his vote in his parliamentary constituency of Gandhinagar, Advani would leave for Himachal Pradesh, where too Assembly polls are on, said a senior party office-bearer.