Calculated words and cold shoulders at BJP manifesto release


Posted on 7th Apr 2014 08:28 pm by admin

New Delhi, April 7 (IANS) A galaxy of BJP bigwigs came together to release its much delayed manifesto Monday, but an iciness between prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi and manifesto committee chief Murli Manohar Joshi was evident.

The apparent differences that caused delay in release the of the manifesto - happening on the first day of Lok Sabha poll - were sought to be glossed over with presentation of a united face in public and before cameras.

Party insiders said the delay in the manifesto release was due to "differences between Modi and Joshi". Modi wanted some changes in the document, which Joshi was not happy with, those privy to inner-party affairs said on condition of anonymity.

The BJP officially dubbed the delay as a "logistic issue", saying leaders were busy campaigning.

Modi, who sat at the centre of the stage, was flanked on either side by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Rajnath Singh and Joshi. While he engaged in conversation with Rajnath Singh several times, no words were exchanged with Joshi. Neither did Modi try and supplement whatever Joshi was saying.

Both Rajnath Singh and Modi appeared uninterested and were seen chatting and flipping pages of the manifesto booklet as Joshi made his presentation on the key promises and answered most of journalists' queries.

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj and veteran leader L.K. Advani were also seen sitting quietly on the flanks.

However, when it came to words, the leaders said all the right things.

Joshi referred to Modi as the "future prime minister", Advani repeated time and again that he was "very happy" with these elections, while Modi chose to focus on the manifesto alone.

While the tension between leaders prevailed, it was decided by the party to give prominence to Joshi, in an apparent attempt to pacify the elder who felt sidelined by Modi. Joshi took the few questions asked by journalists, and stayed back after the official release function was over to answer more.

The only time when the BJP prime ministerial candidate was seen exchanging a word with Joshi was a brief moment before leaving the stage, an apparent good bye.

The BJP, anticipating a large crowd, organised the release not at its national headquarters, but in the premises of the adjoining 9, Ashoka Road, official bungalow of senor leader Arun Jaitley, who was out campaigning in Amritsar where he filed his nomination papers. Also missing were former party presidents Nitin Gadkari and M Venkaiah Naidu.

Modi, whose voice was already hoarse addressing election rallies, left soon after the event was over for his public meetings scheduled for the day.

Did you know?Explore Trending and Topic pages for more stories like this.
228 Like 16 Dislike
Previous news Next news
Other news

MS Dhoni Birthday: Captain Dhoni's six big decisions on the field, which changed the picture of Indian cricket

Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, one of the most successful captains in the world, turn

IND vs NZ Final: The goal of invincible India is to destroy the challenge of the Kiwis, their record in knockouts is not good

In the final of the Champions Trophy to be held on Sunday, the Indian team will enter the final w

CSK vs PBKS Predicted Playing XI: Chennai and Punjab will have a great match, see 'Kings' playing XI

CSK vs PBKS Predicted Playing XI: The 38th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 will be

Urvashi Rautela Birthday: Urvashi Rautela has won the most beauty titles, modeling opened the way to acting

Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela is known more for her glamour and beauty than her acting. Today

'Don't force us', Supreme Court furious over rising pollution in Delhi-NCR, scolded Haryana-Punjab

On Wednesday (23 October 2024), the Supreme Court heard the case of rising pollution in Delhi-NCR

PM Modi: PM Modi's meeting with economists in NITI Aayog, suggestions taken before Union Budget

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with economists at NITI Aayog today. Finance Minister Nir

Controversy over Vice-Chancellor appointment: DMK leader's allegation – Central government is adding fuel to the fire

The rhetoric is going on in the matter of the Tamil Nadu government withdrawing the right to appo

Pakistan Food Crisis: What happened in Pakistan? Tomato is being sold at Rs 500 a kg, onion at Rs 400 a kg

India's neighboring country Pakistan has been going through a crisis for the last few months. Due

Kisan Diwas: 'The thinking of Chaudhary Charan Singh and the sweat of the farmers will be important in a developed India', said Dhankhar on Kisan Diwas

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar paid floral tribute to former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Sin

Gigi Hadid: Gigi Hadid was arrested with marijuana, and released on bail after paying a heavy fine

Hollywood supermodel and actress Gigi Hadid was arrested for traveling with marijuana. However, h

Sign up to write
Sign up now if you have flare of writing..
Login   |   Register
Follow Us
Indyaspeak @ Facebook Indyaspeak @ Twitter Indyaspeak @ Pinterest RSS



Play Free Quiz and Win Cash