New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party's only allies Akali Dal and Shiv Sena on Friday backed the party's decision to anoint Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as BJP's prime ministerial candidate. Party President Rajnath Singh had informed the chiefs of both the parties and they have endorsed the decision.
Rajanth called Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and informed him about Modi's prime ministerial candidature. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut had confirmed that Rajanth informed about the decision. He said, "Rajnath Singh has just discussed with Uddhav Thackeray the decision on Modi's prime ministerial candidate they are planning to take. He has also sought Sena's support on the decision."
Rajanth had also called Akali Dal chief and Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and informed him about the decision. Akali Dal leader Naresh Gujral said everyone will endorse the decision. He said, "In politics differences don't last for long. Everyone will fall in line, NDA stands united."
Backing Modi's candidature is sacked BJP leader and eminent lawyer Ram Jethmalani. He also took a dig at LK Advani and said, "Atleast now Advani should acquiesce Modi's candidature gracefully and whole heatedly. Advani should renounce personal ambition for the sake of the country, he is becoming unpopular, people are resenting."
Even though allies have agreed to the decision, party patriarch Advani is openly opposing Modi's candidature. The series of meetings senior party leaders had with Advani to convince him failed to yield any result. After an unofficial announcement was made on Modi's candidature, he conveyed to Sushma Swaraj and Rajnath that in case the party decides to go ahead with the decision, he will lose interest in working with the party.
Advani's opposition to the decision may come as an embarrassment to the party and the Goa scenario may be repeated. Advani had resigned from all the party posts after Modi was elevated as the party poll panel chief. The Advani camp had insisted that any decision on Modi's candidature should be taken after state Assembly polls.
Supporting Advani is Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan as sources said that he has rejected Rajnath's appeal to come to Delhi for show of unity during Modi announcement.
The party is making last minute efforts with senior leaders Sushma, Nitin Gadkari and Ananth Kumar meeting Advani to convince him.
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