BJP declares Narendra Modi as its PM candidate, Advani sulks

New Delhi: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi was on Friday appointed as Bharatiya Janata Party’s prime ministerial candidate, despite the most senior leader LK Advani's opposition. 

The formal announcement was made by BJP president Rajnath Singh after the parliamentary board meeting, which was attended by Murli Manohar Joshi and Sushma Swaraj, who too were said to be opposed to Modi's project at this juncture, but finally toed the majority line. 

Rajnath Singh, who made the announcement after hectic back-to-back meetings, said the decision was "unanimous" and taken keeping in view the popular mood and aspirations. 

He said it was done as per the party's tradition where the Parliamentary Board, the highest decision-making body of the party, takes the decision. 

Once Rajnath Singh made the announcement, BJP stalwarts, including those who were said to be against the announcement earlier, offered him garlands and bouquets. 

Rajnath Singh and Modi hugged one another. Modi touched the feet of former president Murli Manohar Joshi as a mark of respect. 

Accepting the party decision, Modi gave a slogan "nayi sonch, nayi ummeed" (new thinking, new hope) and said the BJP will go the 2014 polls with the plank of good governance and development while fighting against corruption and price rise. 

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