Mess in party may delay Modi’s national debut

Politicians generally thrive under attention, but is Gujarat CM Narendra Modi unnerved being in the eye of the BJP’s national storm?

The CM’s comrades in the government claim he is in a “cheerful festive mood” and goes about his routine as usual. But they confide he is worried about the developments, because his ‘political godfathers’ are in the line of fire. As speculations continue about who will be the next leader in the party, sources in BJP feel an inevitable outcome of the controversy would be a “significant delay” in Modi donning a national position.

Modi’s political rivals claim he is keeping a close tab on the goings on in Delhi. His associates, who he otherwise confides in, say they are not in the loop as Modi keeps his cards very close, does his own communication. He does not ‘consult’ anyone.
Sources claim his ‘godfathers’ Advani and Arun Jaitley continue to support him, but the controversy has reduced their clout.

“This is an area of concern for Modi, as he does not have many other friends in Delhi. The CM was expecting a significant national role soon. That could now to be delayed indefinitely,” a source close to him said.

“It is believed that Modi has successfully reached out to Rajnath Singh. Despite his good equations with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat the Sangh might find it difficult to bring him into the national arena for a few years,” said a BJP leader.