New Delhi:
At the BJP's National Executive meeting in Goa over the weekend, party leaders are expected to decide whether Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi should be elevated as the BJP's election chief. Several senior leaders, led by LK Advani, are reportedly opposed to the move.
Many prominent party leaders like Uma Bharati, Jaswant Singh and Shatrughan Sinha are not attending the meeting. Mr Advani has called in sick and will skip an important session of the office-bearers today, but is expected to arrive in Goa tomorrow.
Here are some reactions on this controversy
Rajnath Singh, (BJP president)Due to Advani ji's ill-health, I myself told him not to attend Goa meet today. He will reach Goa tomorrow.
Venkaiah Naidu, BJPDon't try to read too much into everything. I spoke to him (LK Advani) personally. He is coming tomorrow.
Jaswant Singh, BJPI am not going to the meet. I am going to the hospital.
Uma Bharati, BJPI don't want to say anything on Narendra Modi. If I will say anything, it will be blown out of proportion. Of course I have my opinion on this subject but will speak on a right platform. But this will be between me and party chief Rajnath Singh.
Manohar Parrikar, BJPIf the BJP wants to win, project Narendra Modi as the top leader.
Yashwant Sinha, BJPThe National Executive of the BJP is too large as a body to discuss leadership issues. The BJP has already made it very clear that these issues will be decided in the Parliamentary Board.
Smriti Irani, BJPI pray that his (LK Advani's) health improves. I have got information that tomorrow Advani ji will come to Goa. We all know what the party workers want. But we will have to wait and see what the parliamentary board wants.
Prakash Javadekar, BJP Umpteen times we have said our party is a democratic party so everybody has his view and they express it. But we know how to do it when to do it and who is authorised to do it. So we will take call at an appropriate time...the Parliamentary Board is the right forum.
Balbir Punj, BJPNarendra Modi is our national leader and is the most loved leader of Gujarat. BJP's leaders also look at him as an inspiration. After this meeting, he will surely be assigned a big role in the party.
Naresh Agarwal, Samajwadi Party I think BJP is stuck with a fever named Narendra Modi. BJP has never cleared issues. BJP only cares about PM's post. They are not worried about the nation but about themselves.
Rashid Alvi, CongressIf because of Narendra Modi BJP's senior leaders are falling sick then the BJP should wonder what impact would he lead on the people of the country.