Will Modi be BJP's Prime Ministerial Candidate?

New Delhi: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi appears to have emerged as a front-runner in the faction-ridden Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as its prime ministerial candidate.

Although the BJP doesn't say so, political pundits say this much is easy to infer after the just concluded national executive meet in Mumbai.

BJP president Nitin Gadkari, who is known to enjoy the backing of RSS, had to bow to Modi to ensure his attendance in Mumbai by forcing out his bete noire, Sanjay Joshi, from the national executive.

And from the speeches that followed, including Modi's own as well as his body language, it was apparent he has eclipsed the old guard.

Political analyst G.V.L. Narasimha Rao says the writing on the wall is clear.

"His selection (as PM candidate) appears certain. There is no doubt. The signal in Mumbai is very clear. I don't see any hurdle. He has mass appeal among the current leaders and is the most favoured candidate," Rao, also an advisor to the party, told IANS.

"Come December (Gujarat election), the BJP will have to announce his name. It's just a matter of time," he added.

Agreed N. Bhaskar Rao, founder and chairman of the Centre for Media Studies: "We can't deny the Modi phenomena. He has been perceived as one who takes tough decisions, stands by them and delivers what he promises. It is apparent he will be the future of BJP."

Time magazine's decision to feature Modi on its March 26 issue has been repeatedly touted by the BJP and Modi supporters as another indication of his growing appeal.

Modi aides say that Gujarat turned into a state with one of the highest GDP growth rates of over 10 percent.

His annual "Vibrant Gujarat" summits attract the biggest names in business resulting in MoUs.

His supporters say he has ensured a good business climate in Gujarat.