LK Advani to skip Modi’s Patna Rally

Probably in order show his tacit support to Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s opposition to Narendra Modi as the PM, veteran BJP leader LK Advani has decided to skip the ‘Hunkar Rally’ to be held at Gandhi Maidan in Patna on October 27.

The warm relations between Advani and Nitish no longer remains a secret. The JD(U) chose to end its 17-year-long association with the BJP soon after it became evident that Advani was marginalised within the party over the anointment of Narendra Modi.

The ‘Hunkar Rally’ in Patna will be addressed by Narendra Modi, BJP President Rajnath Singh and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley. The BJP sought to downplay Advani’s absence, saying all senior leaders cannot be present at all rallies.

But, the message is loud and clear – Advani does not want to upset Nitish, as he feels that if BJP fails get the required number in Modi’s favour, Nitish may agree to his anointment as the PM and return to the NDA fold sans Modi as the PM candidate.