Narendra Modi to BJP workers: Ensure L K Advani's victory by a 'huge margin'

GANDHINAGAR: In a show of unity, Narendra Modi today asked party workers to ensure victory of BJP patriarch L K Advani by a "huge margin" from the constituency and recalled the "illustrious" political career of the party veteran.

Addressing a rally here in the presence of Advani before he filed the nomination, Modi recalled his recent remarks that the 2014 general elections will be fought by the electorate and not by any party or candidate.

He said the party workers have to ensure victory of Advani by a "huge margin" from Gandhinagar. The Gujarat Chief Minister also recalled the "illustrious" political career to Advani and contribution to the country. Advani is not on the best of terms with Modi after he opposed Gujarat chief minister's anointment as BJP's PM candidate recently.

The BJP veteran wanted to contest from Bhopal and not Gandhinagar, but he later accepted the party's decision to field him from Gujarat in the Lok Sabha elections. "...having represented Gandhinagar Constituency in the Lok Sabha since 1991, I have decided to contest the 2014 General Elections from Gandhinagar itself. I have conveyed my opinion to (BJP President) Rajnath Singh," Advani had said in a statement ending the drama over his demand to contest from Bhopal.