Modi’s big hint: Is everybody reading it wrong?

“Those who dream of becoming something end up destroying themselves. One should not dream of becoming something, but one should dream of doing something. I never see such dreams (of becoming prime minister), nor am I going to see such dreams. People of Gujarat have given me the mandate to serve them till 2017 and I have to do this with full strength.” This was Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi speaking to his people at a Teacher’s Day function.

Projected as the prime ministerial candidate for 2014 general elections, his statement soon caught the national headlines. The BJP’s image of cashing in on Modi’s image in the elections started getting blurred.

What could possibly be the reason behind Modi making such statement? Was he saying that he has no interest in becoming a PM?

Although his statement is being seen as a dig on LK Advani, who was prime ministerial candidate in 2009, by his critiques and the media, there is no denying the fact that Advani has openely opposed any move to declare Modi a PM candidate before assembly elections this year.

BJP has supported his statement by saying that his answer was appropriate according to the question asked and sent a message to those opposing his projection (as a PM candidate). They also said that it was a message to his detractors who have been demanding his resignation from the CM post if he wants to be a PM candidate.

The statement has come at a time when DG Vanzara has quit IPS and openly critisised Modi over the fake encounter case. Moreover, his letter stating Modi as the ‘fallen God’ has been widely publicised and has also worked against CM’s middle class friendly image. However, the timing of the letter is too question with respect to the arrest of godman Asaram Bapu who Modi openly criticised suggesting BJP leaders to keep away from the issue.

Is Modi showing his disinterest or is he succumbing under pressure will be clear as it is only a matter of time. But another viable logic will be his open hint that he is just not ready to leave his people of Gujarat. Maybe he is simply stating that he will have an invisible hand in the matters of the state even when he becomes PM.