New Delhi: The RSS has made it clear to BJP it wants Narendra Modi to be declared as Prime Ministerial candidate, contending that he enjoys "the support and respect of people" who want "change" but said the timing of the announcement has to be decided by the party.
RSS leader Ram Madhav told reporters that the Sangh members have felt during their programmes across the nation that people want "change".
"The country wants a change and we also realise it. During the two-day meeting between RSS and BJP this issue came up and it has been conveyed to the leadership in the party. Now the decision has to be taken by them but from our side the message has been given that the voters in the country want a change," Madhav said.
Asked if he is referring to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi when he talks about change, Madhav said, "When we say people want a particular change, it is obvious that the support and respect of the people is for which person and for which post. This is clear to all."
However, according to sources, the RSS has set four conditions for supporting Modi as the prime ministerial candidate
- Modi has been made to pledge to building a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
- He has also been urged to enforce the contentious Uniform Civil Code across the country.
- He has to press for a repeal of Article 370. If done, it will take away the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir.
- He has to take steps for the protection of cows.
These conditions clearly indicate the return of BJP and RSS to hardline Hindutva but might impact BJP's 2014 election campaign that was built on a more secular platform till now.
At the end of a two-day conclave here yesterday, RSS had said that there is no dilemma or turmoil in the party over Modi but the decision on when the PM candidate should be announced has to be taken by the BJP.
Rajnath Singh has indicated that BJP's Parliamentary Board is likely to meet by next week. It is widely expected that the party will announce Modi's name before his birthday which falls on September 17.
