Advani props up Shivraj Singh Chouhan, runs down Narendra Modi

GWALIOR: Barely two weeks after he embarrassed BJP by saying the party lost Karnataka due to "opportunistic" politics, L K Advani sought to run down Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi suggesting his Madhya Pradesh counterpart Shivraj Singh Chouhan deserves more credit. Advani reiterated his argument that Chouhan's achievements rank higher as he is the CM of a "bimaru" (laggard) state, while Modi only improved economically well-off Gujarat. "He only made it a better state," Advani said, referring to Modi. Addressing party workers here on Saturday, Advani went a step ahead comparing Chouhan to Vajpayee, discovering a common trait in the CM's "humble" manner that he said is reminiscent of the saffron patriarch. Although Advani claimed that has often mentioned this analogy to Modi, the remarks are bound to be seen as part of unceasing factionalism in the BJP over the Gujarat CM's claims to being the prime ministerial nominee. Advani and other leaders opposed to Modi had made ouster of Karnataka rebel B S Yeddyurappa a non-negotiable agenda with some feeling the tough position ruling out any rapprochement with the Lingayat leader. Despite Chouhan studiously avoiding rising to the bait, Advani has persistently sought to place the Madhya Pradesh CM a few notches above Modi in what appears to be an attempt to make the Gujarat CM look more ordinary. The reference to Chouhan's humility does not seem casual as Modi's detractors have often criticized him for being remote and a loner. Modi's recent forays outside Gujarat where he has spoken of the state's "model" might be the provocation for Advani's praise of Chouhan's self-effacing manner. By suggesting Modi's record in office is not really as impressive as his supporters see it to be, Advani is looking to keep the leadership race for 2014 open. He has consistently refused to rule himself out as a likely PM despite having had his shot at the post in 2009. Apart from losing to PM Manmohan Singh four years ago, Advani lags behind Modi - as do all other contenders - in terms of popular support in the party cadre that is strongly rooting for the Gujarat strongman. The anti-Modi faction has been weakened by the loss in Karnataka where post-poll analysis shows BJP could have prevented a white wash had Yeddyurappa stayed in its fold. But Advani's remarks, couched in praise for Chouhan, can only add to the distractions preventing BJP from emerging as a clear alternative to Congress. There was no sense of surprise in BJP over Advani's comments, only annoyance and weariness. Recent party developments like the composition of the national executive and appointment of persons Advani is unhappy with as office-bearers has pointed to his diminishing clout. The current compact between BJP chief Rajnath Singh and Modi has also been a setback. "I hail from Gujarat. But I want Madhya Pradesh to get its position in the world," Advani said. "I often tell Narendra Modi that Gujarat was already an economically healthy state when he was sent as chief minister. He has only made Gujarat a better state. But Madhya Pradesh was a 'bimaru' state. It underwent a total developmental change and evolved as a healthy state for which I give full credit to Shivraj Singh Chouhan." Even when Modi was inducted into the BJP parliamentary board recently, Advani had opposed the decision but could not prevail. Comparing previous PMs, Advani said, "Vajpayee did not have any short-comings and one of his best qualities was his humility. I see that same in Shivraj Singh Chouhan. He has changed the destiny of Madhya Pradesh with his developmental policies but is still as polite and soft-spoken. He never permitted arrogance to enter his mind." Advani also praised Chouhan's Teerth Darshan Yatra scheme for financially weak elderly couples, who are taken on religious pilgrimage to holy cities at government expenditure. "I remember the day the first train with such pilgrims went to Rameshwaram. Only Shivraj Singh Chouhan could have done this," Advani added.   Source: TOI