BJP does not rule out bigger role for Modi
New Delhi (PTI): As Narendra Modi was set to be sworn-in for a third time as Chief Minister of Gujarat, the BJP on Sunday did not rule out a bigger role for the leader, including at the national level.
"Politics does not accept any form of stagnation. Politicians, personalities evolve over a period of time. What will happen ten years down the row or five years down the row I don't know," senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley said here.
He was responding to a question on whether Modi could be given a role in the party at the national level.
"As for a role for him in the national party is concerned, certainly he is one of our foremost leaders in the country. He has a great amount of charisma and he is there," Jaitley said.
Jaitley, however, said: "But as of today, I am reasonably certain he is committed to the people of Gujarat. He has secured for the second time a very respectable mandate and therefore he is committed to serve the people of Gujarat."
There has been speculation that Modi is aiming at finding a bigger role for himself at the national level, including the Prime Minister's post if the BJP comes to power.
Jaitley, who is party in-charge of Gujarat, said the BJP's win can be attributed to Modi's "immense credibility" and added, "Modi provided the necessary edge to BJP's campaign."
Jaitley said the BJP was inherently strongly in Gujarat and had a sound organisational base in the state.
Asked whether BJP's showing in Gujarat would change the party's policies at the national level, Jaitley said a single victory and a "possible victory" in Himachal Pradesh would not lead to any changes but there would be a "lot of resurgence" in the party.
The Gujarat results have given a fresh breath of life for UPA government as Left parties will now think twice before withdrawing support fearing the resurgence of BJP, Jaitley said.
He said after Modi's impressive performance Congress will have to revisit the proposition of party chief Sonia Gandhi being a vote getter.
He attributed Modi's victory to five years of good governance.
Jaitley said as of now Modi is committed to the people of Gujarat.
"He has got a mandate in his favour. Certainly he will look to serve the people of Gujarat," Jaitley said.
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