The BJP’s clean sweep in Gujarat’s by-elections was expected (“Reading the results,” June 6), in view of the recent exodus of many members from the Congress to the party. The defeat of the Janata Dal (United) in Maharajganj is a blessing in disguise and relief to the BJP. The results are a morale booster for Narendra Modi who can now position himself as the tallest, undisputed leader acceptable to the rank and file of the BJP across the country. Veteran leader L.K. Advani should stop playing the role of a spoiler and wholeheartedly accept the reality.
Ettirankandath Krishandas,
Palakkad
Mr. Modi has once again proved his charisma. One hopes Mr. Advani, the BJP patriarch, will wake up and smell the coffee. Although Mr. Modi’s formal declaration as the party’s prime-ministerial candidate may wait a bit longer, the new mandate expected to be handed over to him in Goa will legitimise his national pre-eminence.
While the Congress must be licking its wounds, Nitish Kumar will soon realise that Mr. Modi is gradually emerging in the NDA scheme of things in 2014.
K.S. Jayatheertha,
Bangalore
Mr. Modi is the one and only acceptable leader in the BJP notwithstanding the fact that there are umpteen seniors in the party without followers. Under the UPA, corruption has ruled. On the contrary, Gujarat has seen all-round development under Mr. Modi’s able leadership.
It is time for the BJP to announce his name as the prime ministerial candidate for the Lok Sabha election.
L.R .Moorthy,
Mumbai
The conclusion that Mr. Modi’s position in the BJP has been strengthened by the by-election results is an exaggeration and media speculation. Gujarat has a one-sided vote bank.
Secondly, people mostly vote for the ruling party in the by-elections. Thirdly, India is not Gujarat and Gujarat is not India, which is why the BJP did not win in other parts of the country.
K. Malikul Azeez,
Chennai
There is nothing in the verdict for the BJP to cheer. Nor is the battle lost for the Congress. The Lok Sabha elections are quite different as they are fought on a larger scale. They will not be confined to the borders of Gujarat.
That said, the results are a stern warning to the Congress to set its house in order. It should do everything it can to win back the confidence of people who are in no mood to pardon the wrong policies of UPA-II.
M.Y. Shariff,
Chennai
