The editorial “Cat among the pigeons” (Feb. 1) rightly says Narendra Modi is a polarising figure and the mere suggestion of his being the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate is enough to start a mini-war in the NDA. But this is not true in the context of opposition to Nitin Gadkari as BJP president. His ouster was only due to the corruption charges against him. Even L.K. Advani, seen as a challenge to Mr. Modi even today, opposed Mr. Gadkari.
Karunendra Mishra,New Delhi
Can the BJP or even the RSS ignore public opinion which is overwhelmingly in support of Mr. Modi? It is votes that matter in elections, not opinions of individuals. Which other BJP or NDA, even Congress, leader can claim to be anywhere near Mr. Modi in popularity?
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Politics is a game of possibilities. Who knows when a party will make the right or wrong moves that may prove to be a game-changer? The problem with the name ‘Narendra Modi’ has more to do with the fact that people outside the BJP are uttering it often.
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Mr. Modi enjoys a larger-than-life image in the BJP hierarchy. Given his authoritarian approach, his prime ministerial aspirations may find few takers within the party. While there is no disputing his good governance and leadership qualities, his acceptability for the number one slot is low even among the BJP rank and file. If he becomes more amenable and accessible to the party cadres, he will emerge as a consensus prime ministerial candidate in the 2014 elections.
P.K. Varadarajan , Chennai