Modi as PM pick may be this week

With the RSS throwing its weight behind Gujarat CM Narendra Modi and asking the BJP leadership to decide on the timing of the announcement of Mr Modi as the party’s PM candidate, the BJP parliamentary board is likely to meet later this week on the issue.

Sources said former party president Nitin Gadkari met parliamentary party chief L.K. Advani on Tuesday in a last-minute effort to convince the veteran leader, who remains opposed to an announcement at this juncture. Mr Gadkari also met Murli Manohar Joshi on the issue. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and other top RSS leaders had met Mr Advani recently. Sources said the parliamentary board meeting can take place on any day between Sept-ember 13 to 15. The RSS wants the announcement to be made before the “pitrapaksh” (inauspicious) period sets in from September 20.