Pressured by supporters of Narendra Modi in the central leadership, the BJP might have to make an exception and re-induct the Gujarat chief minister into the party?s parliamentary board.
Modi had been shunted out of the high-powered panel earlier this year on the ground that no other BJP chief minister enjoyed such a privilege. Party president Rajnath Singh had also sought to put the onus on the RSS, saying it was a decision that had 70% approval of the RSS leadership.
After the stunning victory in Gujarat, however, the party may not be able to justify Modi’s exclusion from the panel. Party spokespersons are already having to look sideways while answering questions on the issue. At a party briefing a couple of days ago, Ravi Shankar Prasad was forced to duck a direct question on whether Modi?s position in the parliamentary board would be restored. ??He is a big leader, he will be used for campaigning,?? Prasad had said.
Modi?s supporters in the central leadership argue that the Gujarat chief minister, having proved his mettle single handedly and established his supremacy in the state, needs to be brought back. They contend that his ??star value?? and his national profile has grown and his capabilities as a powerful political orator and strategist must be utilised at the national level.