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In an apparent show of unity, L K Advani and Narendra Modi today appeared on a public platform along with a pantheon of BJP for the first time after the declaration of party's prime ministerial candidate but cold vibes were visible between the two leaders.
Claiming a wave across the country in favour of BJP, Modi said the Congress was now talking of inclusive growth after states ruled by BJP have always performed well on this front.
Addressing a big BJP workers' congregation here, he also attacked the UPA government, accusing it of misusing the CBI to target political opponents. It will be the agency that will "fight" the coming assembly and Lok Sabha elections and not the Congress party, he claimed, without elaborating on it.
Notwithstanding the presence of the entire top leadership of BJP, a sense of lack of warmth between the party patriarch and the Gujarat Chief Minister was apparent as the two were not seen talking to each other.
Advani, who had sulked over the elevation of Modi by BJP Parliamentary Board recently and later appeared to have reconciled to it, was prompt in reciprocating Chouhan touching his feet as a mark of respect but gave a cold response when the Gujarat Chief Minister bent to seek his blessings. Advani merely folded his hands without looking at him.
Earlier too, when party activists sought to bring all the top leaders for a photo-op under a huge garland of flowers, there was a gap between Advani and Modi, who beseeched Rajnath Singh to come in between.
However, after the rally ended Modi grabbed Advani's hand for a photo-op. The two leaders chatted briefly with Advani's hand on Modi's shoulders.
In his speech, Advani said it was a matter of pride that the Prime Ministerial candidate chosen by the party was in their midst. He also praised Modi's role in complete electrification of Gujarat, which was followed by Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh Chief Ministers.
