Sir — The Bharatiya Janata Party has every reason to elevate Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as poll panel chief.
Mr Modi’s dynamic leadership and development politics in Gujarat, the BJP’s performance in the recent by-poll and his mass appeal have brought him centre-stage.
But these are no reasons to sideline senior leader lK Advani, who raised the BJP to its present stature. A man of impeccable credentials, integrity and honesty, Mr Advani deserves a chance as the NDA’s prime ministerial nominee. This would perhaps be his last general election, as age is not on his side.
Also, by fielding Mr Advani a possible break-up of the NDA can be avoided as the Janata Dal (United) has categorically expressed its opposition to Mr Modi’s candidature. The BJP high command must decide prudently and name Mr Advani its prime ministerial nominee, not just for the good of the alliance it leads but in the larger interest of the nation, which is to halt the corrupt Congress-led UPA regime from coming to power.