Modi's projection: RSS leader meets Advani, Sushma, Rajnath

Seeking a consensus on Narendra Modi's projection as the prime ministerial candidate, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has held confabulations with top Bharatiya Janata Party leaders, including L K Advani, who is said to have reservations on the issue.

Senior RSS leader Suresh 'Bhaiyaji' Joshi held talks with Advani on Sunday, amid a strong pitch by some sections of the BJP for early announcement of Modi as the prime ministerial candidate, sources said in New Delhi.

BJP President Rajnath Singh and senior party leader Sushma Swaraj, who is also said to be opposed to Modi's projection as the party's PM candidate, were also present during the meeting that took place at Advani's residence, the sources told PTI.

Joshi is learnt to have discussed with them the need and timing for projecting Modi as the PM candidate. The meeting was part of efforts to end resistance within the party over Modi’s anointment as the prime ministerial candidate.

An RSS leader said a decision on Modi’s projection, which is believed to have the support of a majority of party leaders, would be announced once BJP manages to achieve "consensus" on his name, as is the "tradition".

"The (Sangh) family is agreeable to Modi’s choice but we would wait for the party to propose his name," he said, outlining RSS’ stand on the Gujarat chief minister’s projection as PM candidate. The development comes against the backdrop of strong pitch by some sections of the BJP for early announcement on Modi's projection.

Arun Jaitley, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, had recently said the sooner Modi’s name was announced the better it would be for the party’s electoral prospects. Advani and Swaraj are said to be against Modi’s projection, as they believe it would polarise the electorate and take attention away from the numerous failings of the UPA government.