Advani, Modi share dais

Senior BJP leader L K Advani and Narendra Modi on Wednesday shared a public platform for the first time after the declaration of the party’s prime ministerial candidate but a feeling of warmth was missing as they exchanged greetings. Mr. Advani, who had sulked over the elevation of Mr. Modi by BJP Parliamentary Board recently and later, appeared to have reconciled to it, presented bouquets to Mr. Modi and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

While he was prompt in reciprocating Mr. Chouhan touching his feet as a mark of respect, the patriarch gave a cold response when Mr. Modi bent to seek his blessings. He merely folded his hands without looking at Mr. Modi.

Even as Mr. Modi is on a spree addressing rallies across the country, Mr. Advani, in his speech, said, “Today if BJP has reached this place in Indian politics it is not because of eloquent speeches but the hard work and penance of party workers. We will not win elections merely on the basis of speeches but on the basis of the work done by us.”

He hailed the performance of the erstwhile NDA government at the Centre and BJP governments in various states. He praised the performance of Mr. Modi as well as Mr. Chouhan and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh.

Mr. Advani made a special mention of the presence of BJP’s prime ministerial candidate, saying the party has chosen him for the post. With crowds chanting Mr. Modi’s name, Mr. Advani ended his brief speech.