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.
Will do everything to make Obama cherish visit: Government
New Delhi, Jan 18 (IANS) With less than a week left for US President Barack Obama's visit to In
The election atmosphere in Maharashtra is at its peak. All political parties are trying their bes
The story of the murder of Kanhaiyalal, the owner of a tailor shop in Udaipur, was told by his ar
Rajasthan Royals won the 31st match of IPL 2024 on the last ball. Jos Buttler gave the team its s
Japan to contribute to 'Make in India': Minister
New Delhi, Jan 17 (IANS) Japan will contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India
Rahul Gandhi Foreign Visit: Rahul Gandhi again left for abroad, will return on July 17
Former Congress President and Wayanad Lok Sabha MP Rahul Gandhi once again left for a foreign tri
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green failed in the third Ashes Test. In the first innings of the
The report of the tax paid by former US President Donald Trump while he was President has been ma
Banned Kerala PFI leaders were in touch with IS and Al Qaeda, NIA reveals in the special court
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made important disclosures regarding the banned Popul
Delhi will decide before Gujarat, and dates for MCD elections will be announced
The dates for the MCD elections in Delhi have been announced. Delhi Election Commissioner Vijay D
