An internal survey by the BJP has shown the party will get mileage from the Narendra Modi factor coupled with a strong “anti-incumbency wave” against the Congress-led UPA that can help it cross the 190 mark in the Lok Sabha polls.
Though the BJP is buying time on the PM candidate issue as part of tactics, the Gujarat CM will be at the helm of its campaign as per the strategy formulated with the survey’s findings. While two key allies — JD(U) and Shiv Sena — are pressing the BJP to announce its PM candidate, it is unlikely to do so before the election. While the JD(U) has pitched for a “secular” PM and threatened to end its 17-year alliance over Mr Modi’s projection for the post, the BJP, sources said, cannot overlook the growing clamour in party ranks for the Gujarat CM. Not taking any chance to annoy its cadre, which wants to see Mr Modi projected for the top job, or to displease allies and probable allies, the BJP will give prominence to Mr Modi along with the central leadership in the campaign. Mr Modi is also expected to head the party’s overall campaign committee.
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5-year-old is getting better, out of danger
Age Correspondent
New Delhi, April 21
AIIMS doctors confirmed Sunday the condition of the rape victim was “gradually” improving, and there was “no danger” to her life. It will take two weeks more for her to be discharged. Dr D,K, Sharma, AIIMS medical superintendent, said she was responding well to antibiotics: “We are trying to control the infection and she is responding well... She is conscious, alert and talking to parents, doctors and nurses.”