Describing Gujarat CM Narendra Modi as being “impeccably secular, honest and fully qualified” to become the Prime Minister, senior lawyer and Rajya Sabha MP Ram Jethmalani today said the BJP should announce his candidature for the top post before the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

“Modi is honest, possesses administrative ability and is fully qualified to become the Prime Minister. He is BJP’s best bet for the top post,” Jethmalani told reporters here today.

“The BJP must announce its candidature for PM’s post as people are expecting this from it. Announcing it after the polls will be counter—productive,” Jethmalani said, adding, those opposing Modi’s name, want the “corrupt” UPA government to continue in power.

Even in the past, Jethmalani had advocated Modi as candidate for Prime Minister’s post.

Asked whether he has talked to Modi over the issue Jethmalani said he had not met Modi for a long time.

About the public debate on Modi’s secular credentials, he said, “Modi’s critics should read the Indian Constitution carefully, in which the definition of secularism is given and those who do not understand it, raise the issue of secularism.”

“’Secular’ and ‘communal’ have become words of abuse today. People are using them indiscriminately without even understanding what they mean or signify...Modi is the most impeccably secular leader in India. In fact, he is hundred per cent secular” the senior advocate said.

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