Scotching reports that he may be nominated for Rajya Sabha, senior BJP leader LK Advani made it clear that he will contest the next Lok Sabha elections, saying this is "in my mind". There have been some reports that BJP was considering nominating Advani to the Rajya Sabha in an apparent bid to consolidate its prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi's position in the party.
Sources in the saffron party also say Narendra Modi wants to contest 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Gandhinagar, which is presently represented by Advani in the Lok Sabha.
The delay in issuing the list of Rajya Sabha nominees from Gujarat at a time when general elections are round the corner strengthens such reports.
Advani had opposed Modi's elevation and, though, he showered praise on him during the party's recent National Council meeting, many Modi supporters remain wary of the veteran leader's moves.
"I have not said anything (about going to RS) and if somebody offers me this suggestion I will think about it. But it is natural, I think, that if I had to consider it I would have done it earlier," Advani told reporters after unfurling national flag at his residence.
The party's idea to send Advani to Rajya Sabha raises few questions:
1. Is it an attempt to create possible Lok Sabha constituency for Narendra Modi at the cost of the senior leader?
2. Is Team Modi still worried of a backlash from Advani as the campaign for 2014 heats up?
3. Is a section of the BJP deliberately pushing old guards like LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi to the Rajya Sabha?
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