Sushma proposed Modi's name as BJP's PM nominee: Vijaywargia

Madhya Pradesh industries minister Kailash Vijaywargia on Tuesday said the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj had proposed the name of Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi as BJP's prime ministerial candidate for 2014 polls.

Madhya Pradesh industries minister Kailash Vijaywargia on Tuesday said the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj had proposed the name of Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi as BJP's prime ministerial candidate for 2014 polls.

"Typically, the leader of opposition is viewed as the PM-in-waiting. But I am proud to declare that Sushma Swaraj showed a kind heart typical of a mother and proposed Modi's name as the party's prime ministerial nominee," Vijaywargia said even as Sushma shared the stage at BJP Mahila Morcha convention at Mhow.

However, in her speech at the event, Sushma did not react to Vijaywargia's comments.

When reporters tried to seek her reaction on the minister's claim, Sushma refused to address the media and left the venue.

Swaraj, believed to be close to L K Advani, had reportedly favoured putting off the announcement of Modi's name until the Assembly elections in five states are over but later reconciled to the groundswell in favour of the Gujarat chief minister.