Yashwant supports Modi as BJP's PM candidate

Senior Bhartiya Janta party (BJP) leader Yashwant Sinha on Monday pitched for Narendra Modi as the party's Prime Ministerial candidate for 2014 Lok Sabha election.

Giving voice to murmurs within BJP, senior BJP leader Yashwant Sinha on Monday pitched for Narendra Modi as the party's Prime Ministerial candidate, claiming it will have a huge electoral benefit but key NDA ally JD(U) was clearly unhappy.

Sinha advised JD(U), which has reservations against Modi because of the 2002 Gujarat riots, not to target the Gujarat Chief Minister and accept BJP's decision in "good grace" without picking and choosing who is secular and who is not.

Yashwant for Modi as BJP's PM candidate, JD(U) unhappy:

"A debate has been taking place for many days now. When I travel, there is a strong demand from common people and workers that Narendra Modi should be declared as the PM candidate as this will benefit the party.

"After careful thought, I have concluded that if BJP declares Modi as its PM candidate, then BJP will benefit hugely in the elections. It will have a big impact on voters. I have no doubt on this," Sinha told reporters here, adding the party could bag "far more seats" than is being estimated at present.