Modi set to address BJP conclave today as party paves way for his bigger role

New Delhi: BJP National Executive has become a platform for Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi to be showcased by his party. All eyes will be on Modi as he addresses the conclave on Sunday in New Delhi. Many BJP leaders including party President Rajnath Singh on Saturday praised Modi's leadership.

The BJP is also preparing to find space for Modi in its Central Parliamentary Board ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP National Council authorised newly-elected President Rajnath Singh to constitute his Parliamentary Board, which may see Modi being formally brought to the party's central polity.

BJP General Secretary Ananth Kumar moved the resolution at the National Council meeting authorising Singh to constitute Parliamentary Board, the highest decision making body of the BJP, Central Election Committee and Disciplinary Committee and it was passed unanimously by the members who raised their hands in support.

Rajnath Singh told the Council members that he will consult senior leader LK Advani and others before constituting his team. The new president will also reconstitute the National Executive which has around 200 members.

Modi was the flavour of the three-day conclave with several leaders praising him. "He made a hat-trick. We were delighted to hear about his victory. We had never seen a BJP chief minister winning three consecutive terms. His development model has been lauded by all, even at the international forum. Be it the US or the European Union all have praised his good governance," Rajnath said in his inaugural address.

"It won't be proper to welcome Modi with mere words. He deserves a good round of applause, a standing ovation," the BJP president said. He garlanded Modi amid slogan shouting by enthusiastic party members. The party top brass, comprising of Central leaders as well as chief ministers seated on the dais, were on their feet and and clapped for Modi.

Rajnath also exhorted party leaders assembled at the National Council, which is meeting to chalk out its roadmap for the upcoming Assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Delhi and Jharkhand, as well as the general elections slated for 2014, to bury their differences and fight unitedly.

The party has clarified that a decision on who should be made the BJP Prime Ministerial candidate will be taken at an appropriate time by the Parliamentary Board. Some of the top party leaders as well as allies like JD(U) are opposed to Modi being the Prime Ministerial candidate of the BJP and the NDA.

The BJP is hoping to come back to power at the Centre after losing two consecutive general elections in 2004 and 2009. Modi may also be given a key role in the election campaign of the BJP.

Party sources said Rajnath Singh is likely to announce his team of central office-bearers, including general secretaries, vice-presidents and secretaries, later this month. This would be followed by the appointment of the Parliamentary Board, Central Election Committee, National Executive and Disciplinary Committee.

With Additional Inputs from PTI