Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar today openly pushed for projecting Narendra Modi as the BJP’s “face” for the next general elections, becoming the first senior leader to do so in the divided party.
Parrikar, while showering praise on Modi for his “administrative capabilities” and “popularity”, said the Gujarat Chief Minister’s projection would give a tremendous boost to the party’s electoral prospects.
Modi’s projection should come at least six months ahead of the Lok Sabha polls expected around May next year to give “clarity” to the people of the country who “do not like ambiguity”, he told PTI in an interview here.
Parrikar’s open support for Modi came on the sidelines of BJP’s two-day national executive meeting which is expected to discuss the party’s roadmap for the next year Lok Sabha elections and Assembly elections of five states later this year.
“On the basis of public opinion, definitely Modi should be the face of the party. I am not saying he should be declared as the Prime Ministerial candidate. But he has to be the face of the party. This is what I am getting feedback of people...I know what is wrong and what is right,” he said.
The Goa Chief Minister said he has got “clear signal” about “public opinion in favour” of Modi because he is in constant touch with the common people.
“I have some communication with the common people and I get clear signal about that (Modi’s projection),” Parrikar said.
He added that the decision in this regard has to be taken by the party’s top leadership and he will respect that even if his view is not accepted.
Parrikar had two years ago described senior party leader L K Advani as “rancid pickle’’.
He said that the party should at least announce a schedule about projecting or not projecting any face for the next elections.
“Technically, elections are 10 months away...you (party) should set a timetable... You should decide whether there should be a Prime Minister (candidate), or probable Prime Minister or give signals. You have to set up a schedule for that,” he said.