Congress yet to reveal PM candidate; BJP allies, RSS yet to back Modi

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Speculation about prime ministerial candidates is gaining momentum ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. While the BJP is ahead on this front at a time when it is losing support base in the south (Karnataka), the Congress on the other hand, is yet to reveal its PM card.

The BJP’s charismatic leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj has openly backed Gujarat CM Narendra Modi for the top post on Saturday.

The BJP’s allies in the NDA, RSS and top leaders of the saffron party are yet to react to it. This is going to be the last Assembly poll for Modi as CM.

In UP, BJP is placed in third and has not emerged as a main player in Bihar, although its number of legislators have gone up due to ally JD(U).

Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav is also positioning for the top post. He is trying to win over Brahmins in UP through the veteran leader N.D. Tiwari.

But Yadav lacks credibility and following outside UP and the Left and the BJD may not back him due to his flip flops on many issues. Significantly, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has been silent on backing him and its unlikely if either JD(U) would support his candidature. Yadav can become the Prime Minister 'only on the Congress’ outside support.

On the PM candidate issue, the Congress has no confusion. Its candidate is Rahul Gandhi, insiders said. But before that it has to decide whether to go in for pre-poll alliance with its current and prospective allies.

A clearer picture will emerge at the party’s chintan shivir in Jaipur on January 18 and 19.