Cong dismisses suggestions of Modi being a challenge in 2014

NEW DELHI: Congress today dismissed suggestions about Narendra Modi being a challenge to UPA in the coming Lok Sabha elections as a possible Prime Ministerial candidate of BJP.

"The same Modi, who is the Chief Minister of Gujarat" was the dismissive refrain of party spokesperson Rashid Alvi when asked whether Modi is an obstacle in the way of UPA coming to power for the third time at the Centre.

"Gujarat is one of the 28 states in India. Even Congress has formed government in Delhi state for three consecutive times. There is no mystery in it," Alvi said, seeking to take downplay Modi's victory in Gujarat.

Asked whether Modi will be one of the major issues to be discussed at party's Chintan Shivir in Jaipur, the Congress spokesperson said that there are a variety of issues before the nation and "there is no meaning in talking only about an individual. We will discuss problems before the country".

To a question on whether Rahul Gandhi will be fielded by Congress to counter Modi in the next elections, Alvi said that the Chintan Shivir exercise will happen under his leadership as the party has to go forward under the leadership of Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Rahul.

"Rahul Gandhi is our leader, he is the leader of the nation," he added.