Rajnath replaces Modi as BJP’s poll campaign panel chief

BJP president Rajnath Singh. He replaced prime ministerial candiate Narendra Modi as BJP's poll campaign panel chief.

The Bharatiya Janata Party’s prime ministerial candidate and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has been relieved of his responsibilities as the party’s national election campaign committee chief with BJP President Rajnath Singh taking charge of the post.

The Parliamentary Board of the BJP, which met here hours after Mr. Modi’s rally, approved the decision. In effect, it would have Mr. Modi continue to have his say in the committee. Mr. Singh had played a key role in his promotion as the party’s prime ministerial choice.

It was the elevation of Mr. Modi as the party’s campaign committee chief, at the end of the BJP National Executive meeting in Goa, which subsequently paved the way for the anointment of the Gujarat Chief Minister as the BJP’s face for the 2014 general election.