Modi takes dig at Advani, describes Rajnath as 'large hearted'
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Panaji, June 9 (PTI): Narendra Modi today appeared to take a dig at BJP veteran L K Advani and other leaders who stayed away from the National Executive, as he praised party chief Rajnath Singh for being "large hearted" which "outsiders won't understand".
At a meeting of BJP workers here, Modi praised Singh who said the Gujarat Chief Minister should deliver his address after him as "a popular leader must speak at the end".
"I am very grateful to party President Rajnath Singh that he not only gave me responsibility of a new task, but he also gave me huge respect in front of workers and people of the country. I am very grateful to him," Modi said in his first comments on his anointment as the BJP's Campaign Committee Chairman.
"Rajnathji stood up to speak and asked me to sit. It is difficult for those outside to understand the importance of this. A person does not do so only by having a post but by having a heart. This is called 'daria dilli' (large heartedness), which the President has shown," Modi said.
He did not elaborate further, but appeared to take a dig at Advani and some others who stayed away from the National Executive as they were said to be opposed to his elevation.
At the same time, he said his political career has been "moulded" by senior party leaders, who spent more time with him than their own families. Modi addressed the workers in the presence of Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitley and Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.
Sushma Swaraj was supposed to speak, but conspicuous by her absence.
Earlier, Singh said his decision to make Modi as the campaign committee chief was "not for the party but for the country." He said he had no hesitation in taking this significant decision as this was "well deserved".
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It's official : Modi named BJP's poll campaign chief
Goa, Jun 9 (Agencies) : Putting an end to national speculation, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Rajnath Singh on Sunday announced Narendra Modi as the Chairman of the party's Campaign Committee for 2014 general elections. Singh made the announcement at the end of the two-day executive meeting.
Modi was recently appointed a member of the party's parliamentary board.
Stating that Modi will lead BJP to victory in the elections, Rajnath Singh said that the party has taken the decision with consensus.
Earlier, Rajnath Singh told BJP cadres, "We are the only alternative, will bring about change." "From corruption to misgovernance, this country has been let down by the government," he added.
Earlier in the day, speaking to BJP cadres at Goa, Narendra Modi said, "We need the country free from Congress rule. Nation has never seen such brazenness and people are angry with Congress."
"People still believe institutions and remember the work of Atal Bihari Vajpayee even today with confidence," said Modi.
Modi took a jibe at UPA's Bharat Nirman campaign stating that instead of 'Aapka hak',it is a case of 'Aapka shak', implying that the citizens of the country are suspicious of the national pitch by Congress.
Stating that there is a deficit of trust in the country, Modi went on to say that 'throwing out' Congress is a national not a political campaign.
Reflecting the mood in the party ranks, Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar said Modi should be the "face of the party" at least six months before the general elections. Even Uma Bharati, seen to be close to Advani, wrote to party chief Rajnath Singh saying she will support any decision the party takes.
BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said that the party can not ignore expectations of BJP workers.
Hussain announced that the BJP will hold nationwide protests against the UPA government from June 17 to June 22.