New Delhi:
BJP president Rajnath Singh has announced a new 76-member team to navigate the party through the next Lok Sabha elections. Here's a selection of reactions to his picks:
Yashwant Sinha, Former Union minister"Happy that young people have got opportunity. Am disappointed that there is no one from Jharkhand in the team."
Kapil Sibal, Union minister"Narendra Modi is seeking to take over the BJP. The fight is between Narendra Modi and the BJP."
Maneka Gandhi, MP"I am very happy for Varun Gandhi. Now he has been given responsibility. I believe he will perform his duties with his heart and mind. This is a very good team."
Uma Bharti, Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and BJP vice-president"I am grateful to Rajnath Singh for showing so much trust in me. I would also like to thank Gadkari ji, Advani ji, Ram Lal ji as well. The PM candidate will be selected at three levels - at the NDA level, the BJP parliamentary Board level, and finally by the people."
Prakash Javadekar, BJP spokesperson"There is internal democracy in the BJP. He (Rajnath Singh) has consulted with all the members of party before making this list."
Balbir Punj, BJP vice-president
"BJP is a totally democratic party. The new team gives a good mix of senior leaders and young and upcoming leaders."
Rashid Alvi, Congress spokesperson
"It's BJP's internal matter. The coming Karnataka elections will decide whether Rajnath's new team can work its magic or not."
CP Thakur, BJP vice-president"I congratulate Narendra Modi. The common man wants Narendra Modi to come up."
Smriti Irani, BJP vice-president
All I will say is that we are enthusiastic about Narendra Modi being inducted into the parliamentary board. Now we will be working on our 2014 mission.
Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, BJP vice-president"This team represents all the sections of the society and it's a very full-fledged team. This team, in the coming days, in the coming elections, will work together under the leadership of Rajnath Singh."
Sadananda Gowda, Former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP vice-president"Whatever opportunity is given by my party I will fulfill it. I wish that NDA will come in to power and Narendra Modi will lead the party."
Sharad Yadav, Senior JD (U) leader"Who can predict what will happen in the future? I congratulate Rajnath on his team."