Narendra Modi’s projection as PM candidate is inevitable

In a detailed interview where Prof. Arvind Panagariya of Columbia University criticises Food Security Ordinance, in response to one last question on Modi, he says it is inevitable that Modi will be made the PM candidate. As usual, ET only headlines this. But do please read the entire article to see the correct perspective on FSB.

Are you happy about projecting Modi for Prime minister? Are you impressed with his style of campaigning? What do you think of the controversial "puppy" remark?

That Modi, with his enormous success in bringing prosperity to the people of Gujarat, will be projected as the PM candidate is inevitable. Modi is also forcing a debate on the importance of growth to economic and social development, which I greatly welcome. [Full Article]

Pay Rs 5 to attend Narendra Modi's rally

Modinomics: Pay Rs 5 to attend Narendra Modi's rally in Hyderabad - Times of India

The BJP is charging Rs 5 per ticket for the public meeting and on day one of the online registration for the meeting on Monday, about 8,000 persons signed up. Organizers are expecting anywhere between 50,000 to one lakh attendance for the meet, which at the rate of Rs 5 per ticket would amount to about Rs 5 lakh in case the party manages a full house. [article]

Modi's agenda for improving education in the country

Narendra Modi's 10 point agenda revealed before students - DNA

* In Gujurat first of its kind 'I create institute", is coming up under the guidance of Infoysis founder chief Narayan Murthy. Here we will groom students for the professions they have aptitude in. If I ask what is the biggest concern today for parents, it is that their child should get a good teacher. We have huge youth power, but no liking towards teaching profession. Gujurat is coming up with first of its kind Teachers training university. Then there is one Forensic Science university too is coming up.

* When I approached Narayan Murthy to head an institute in the country, he took six months to take the decision as he was scared that he received invitation from Modi, will it land him in any trouble. An IT raid probably. [article]

Modi attacks food security bill

When people want food, Congress throws a piece of law on plate: Modi - The Hindu

Taking a dig at the Food Security Bill, Mr. Modi said when it became impossible for the Congress to fulfill the promise, the party took the easy way out. “They threw a piece of law instead of food in the plate. This country is tired of acts, it wants action.” [article]

Digvijay Singh casts aspersions on Modi

Digvijay Singh takes to Twitter rant, hints at Narendra Modi's role - DNA

As the terror outfit Indian Mujahideen is under scanner for its role in the serial blasts at the Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya, Singh tweeted that it was too early to say whether Muslim involvement waas there or not.

In a series of tweets, Singh took a dig at the Gujarat Chief Minister, saying that the blasts took place a day after Modi addressed BJP workers and asked them to teach Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar a lesson. [article]

Modi addresses Bihar BJP cadre

Narendra Modi to address 1500 BJP members in Bihar today via teleconference - DNA

After being endorsed as Bharatiya Janata Party's key strategist, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is all set to address about 1,500 party leaders and workers in Bihar via teleconference on Saturday.

This would be Modi's first foray into Bihar politics, seen as an opportunity for him to settle score with rival Nitish Kumar, whose party Janata Dal(United) severed ties with BJP over his elevation as campaign committee chief on June 16.

The BJP campaign committee chief will be giving election tips to party workers in Bihar through video conferencing. [article]

Presentation made to Modi on problems faced by Muslims

Narendra Modi lends ear to presentation on 2002 riots - The Economic Times

A known critic of Narendra Modi, Syed Zafar Mahmood today presented a slide show, touching various aspects of problems being faced by Muslims and the 2002 riots, in front of the Gujarat Chief Minister and said he was happy that his views were taken in stride.

Mahmood made the presentation at Young Indian Leaders Conclave where Modi remained closeted for a day with 150 young participants at the event organised by Citizen of Accountable Governance. Out of the 150 participants, around 30 were from the minority community.[article]

Uddav Thackeray attacks Modi, then retracts

Shiv Sena attacks Narendra Modi, then does U-turn - Indian Express

In an editorial in party mouthpiece Saamana, Shiv Sena has criticised Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi over his "parochial and regional outlook" in only trying to rescue Gujarati pilgrims from flood-ravaged Uttarakhand.

However, Sena president Uddhav Thackeray played down the criticism, saying, "It was not meant to attack Modi but against those handling his communication."[article]

Modi in Punjab, woos Kashmiris

Modi invokes Vajpayee, woos Kashmiri youth in Punjab rally - Indian Express

Modi reached out to the youth of Kashmir by underlining their importance in the development of the nation, but lamented that the Congress-led UPA government had failed to provide them with the opportunities they deserved and wanted. "Instead of bomb, bandook (gun) and pistol, there was a need to usher in peace, unity and harmony," he added. [article]

Modi in Uttarakhand - news and views

Modi in his twitter feed said he was ready to rebuild Kedarnath, an offer that will certainly be refused.

Modi calls on CM Bahuguna, discusses relief work - Hindustan Times

Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi wrapped up his day on Saturday after meeting Uttarakhand chief minister Vijay Bahuguna to discuss relief works in the areas that had been devastated after last week’s heavy downpour. [article]

A bit of a gatecrasher - Karan Thapar

Modi, as far as I know, is the only chief minister who’s decided to visit Uttarakhand. In addition, he comes from the Opposition. However, he is also the campaign committee chief for the BJP and its probable prime ministerial candidate. [opinion]