By IANS,
New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Wednesday termed as “no surprise” a US Congressional report describing party-ruled Gujarat, where Narendra Modi is at the helm, as the best example of effective governance.
The Congressional Research Service (CRS) has also praised Bihar, ruled by the Janata Dal-United and BJP coalition, as another good example of effective governance.
The BJP called it as another proof of the good work the party was doing in states under its rule and with allies.
BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman said that the report did not come as a surprise to the party.
“It is no surprise,” said Sitharaman, “We have seen how both Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar (Bihar chief minister) have brought development to their states. You can see these two states rapidly reaching out to the people with their development agenda.”
The Congressional report also speculated that the 2014 Lok Sabha elections in India might turn out to be a direct contest between Modi and Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi.
Reacting to that, the BJP said it has not decided on its prime ministerial candidate as yet.
“Who becomes the prime ministerial candidate, or the party will project as a prime ministerial candidate, all these things will be known as and when the time comes,” Sitharaman said.
Modi said it was a recognition for Gujaratis.
“Another recognition for six crore Gujaratis. US report hails Guj(arat)’s effective governance. Jay Jay Garvi Guj(arat),” Modi tweeted.
Party leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy said the report was a reply to those who were speaking against Modi.
“In 2005, the US government denied giving visa to Narendra Modi, and now this has been published from there. It is something which should be read by all who are trying to create an atmosphere against him,” Rudy said.
Modi was denied the visa for his alleged role in the 2002 Gujarat riots.
BJP president Nitin Gadkari had recently announced that the party will not project any prime ministerial candidate in the 2014 general elections.