Narendra Modi is not my competitor

BJP’s prime ministerial candidate L K Advani has said Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi was not his "heir apparent" or a competitor although he may be party's most popular leader right now.

In an interview whether Modi was 'standing above the other leaders of the second generation in the BJP' and if he was 'heir apparent', Advani replied, 'No, I would not say so, especially when we have string of chief ministers who have been performing so well.'

To a question as to whether the Gujarat chief minister was the most popular leader after him, Advani replied, 'Why after me? He may be the most popular leader right now.'

The 82-year-old also sought to downplay the 'youth card' saying, 'I do not attach much importance to the so-called youth card. I do not think age is a handicap as long as one is fit. There is experience you bring with age.'

Describing the party's approach in 2004 general elections as 'complacent' due to 'overconfidence' resulting in major debacle, the former deputy prime minister said: 'Now I say it is a good thing for the party that the overconfidence has gone. The defeat in the Rajasthan and Delhi assembly elections are also something that makes us works harder.'

However, he did not give further details. He also totally ruled out any possibility of Congress-BJP tie-up, saying: 'I don't think it is in the realm of possibility in our country now.'

But Advaniji, my suggestion is: please BE CAREFULL from Narendra Modi..