RSS to BJP: Narendra Modi is our choice for PM's job

Addressing reporters a day before its two-day coordination meet with the BJP and other Sangh Parivar outfits kicks off, the RSS threw ample hints that Narendra Modi is its choice for the PM’s post without naming him. It also said that it had conveyed its choice to the BJP, which had to take a call on it.

Addressing reporters a day before its two-day coordination meet with the BJP and other Sangh Parivar outfits kicks off, the RSS threw ample hints that Narendra Modi is its choice for the PM’s post without naming him. It also said that it had conveyed its choice to the BJP, which had to take a call on it.

In a late night development, Modi and BJP president Rajnath Singh visited RSS headquarters in New Delhi.

“The RSS has told its opinion to the party.” RSS spokesperson Manmohan Vaidya told reporters in reply to a question. While not referring directly to Modi, he added: “You all know which name is coming up as the preference of the people.”

The RSS has backed Modi for the top post, a position that has wide acceptance in the BJP too, with the exception of LK Advani and Sushma Swaraj, who are known to oppose an early announcement of the party’s PM candidate.

The top 12 leaders of the BJP — the same as the Parliamentary Board — including Modi are expected to attend the meet, in which 25 RSS leaders, including Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat, and key leaders from about 13 related organisations would also take part. Vaidya however denied that the two-day conclave would discuss the Prime Ministerial candidate of the BJP: “The polls are coming, people have to give an alternative, the BJP is preparing for that and it enjoys the support of all in this endeavour.”

RSS leaders conceded the BJP would inform the participants about its poll preparation.Another such meet may be held at Hyderabad in January 2014.