Advani's strong anti-Modi stand came as a surprise for BJP, RSS

New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has divided his own party over his candidature for the prime minister's post. The BJP Parliamentary Board meeting can be called to endorse Modi's name but senior party leader LK Advani is adamant that the Gujarat Chief Minister should not be projected as the prime ministerial candidate.

The BJP as well as the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) were not prepared for such a strong opposition from Advani. Despite Advani's opposition, BJP President Rajnath Singh is trying to project the BJP as united over Modi. He will also meet Sushma Swaraj to discuss the issue on Thursday.

Singh said that the party is discussing Modi's candidature and the announcement will be made at an appropriate time. He claimed that the BJP was united behind Modi.

Sources say the Advani camp is insisting on one-man-one-post principle and demanding Modi must step down as Gujarat Chief Minister and the party's election campaign committee chief if he wants to become the prime ministerial candidate. Advani camp also said that the BJP believed only in collective leadership.