Indian hardline nationalist politician Narendra Modi, tipped to be the opposition's prime ministerial candidate, refused on Saturday to be drawn into saying whether he wanted the top job.
"I have never dreamt of becoming someone in life," the chief minister of western Gujarat state told a conference in reply to a question about whether he wanted to become premier.
"Until I became chief minister, I never dreamt of becoming one. I had never even met an astrologer to tell me I would become chief minister," Modi, 62, said at the late evening meeting organised by media group India Today.
Modi heads the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Gujarat.
India's embattled national ruling Congress and the main opposition BJP are poised to go head-to-head in general elections early next year but have yet to name their candidates for premier.
Observers have been predicting a showdown between Modi and Rahul Gandhi -- the 42-year-old scion of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty -- with 80-year-old Prime Minister Manmohan Singh seen unlikely to lead the Congress coalition again.
Singh's Congress-led coalition has been buffeted by a sharply slowing economy, high inflation and a series of corruption allegations.
But recently Gandhi, long regarded as a reluctant politician and a weak political performer, has cast doubt about whether he wants to be the Congress prime ministerial candidate, declaring it is not his "priority".
Modi, meantime, has grown in stature since his third straight win in state elections last year. His main selling point is the economic success of Gujarat, which has enjoyed annual growth rates of 10 to 12 percent since 2007.
"I feel if the Gujarat model is good, it can be implemented in the country. I don't need to come there (to New Delhi)," Modi said.
Modi remains a hugely divisive figure nationally after being at the helm in Gujarat during religious riots in 2002 in which some 2,000 people -- mainly Muslims -- were killed, according to rights groups.
One of Modi's former ministers was jailed for life for instigating the killing, but investigations have cleared Modi of personal responsibility.
As part of his plans for India's resurgence, Modi said stemming widespread corruption and good governance were strategies that could turn around the economy.
AFP
Sun Mar 17 2013
Media licensing framework development involves multiple consultations - Teo
Teo Nie Ching says the views of stakeholders have been considered through several engagement sessions and ongoing consultations.
ANALYSIS - World lags on 2030 nature goals headed into UN COP16 talks
A top concern for countries and companies is how to pay for conservation, with the COP16 talks aiming to develop new initiatives.
Situation in South China Sea safe, under control - Adly
Adly Zahari clarifies that reports of Chinese maritime assets near country's border mainly involve its Coast Guard, not its naval warships.
MOHE sets agenda to boost higher education cooperation ahead of ASEAN Chairmanship 2025
Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry said all higher education institutions must be involved to successfully implement the ASEAN chairmanship agenda.
King receives credentials of 12 foreign envoys to Malaysia
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim welcomes nine new foreign envoys and appoints two Malaysian diplomats in a ceremony at Istana Negara.
Israel gives the US its demands for ending war in Lebanon, Axios reports
Israel demands IDF "active enforcement" to prevent Hezbollah from rearming and rebuilding military infrastructure near the border.
Indonesia's Prabowo swears in cabinet of over 100 ministers, deputies
Prabowo Subianto's cabinet has 48 ministries with over 100 ministers and deputies, including two re-appointments.
Freeze on foreign worker employment quota to continue - Saifuddin
Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said as of Sept 15 the total number of foreign workers is nearing the stipulated ceiling.
King Charles and Queen Camilla visit Canberra on Australia tour
This is King Charles' first major foreign trip since being diagnosed with cancer in February.
Indonesia's Prabowo plans military academy retreat for new cabinet
The retreat is aimed at forming a bond between around 100 cabinet ministers and their deputies, according to migrant protection minister.
Four loan sharks held for alleged involvement in paint splashing, arson in six states
The syndicate is believed to have conducted illegal money-lending activities, involving loan sharks and online money-lending, police said.
China's PCT international patent applications top world for 5 consecutive years: WIPO chief
China has become the country with the most international patent applications, according to AIPPI President Shoichi Okuyama.
Charles Leclerc wins US Grand Prix; Max Verstappen 3rd after Norris penalty
Charles Leclerc also won the Monaco Grand Prix and Italian Grand Prix this year and sits third in the driver standings.
Australia's Qantas told to pay $114,000 to 3 sacked workers in landmark outsourcing case
Qantas claims the sackings were warranted as a cost-cutting measure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
After Sinwar's death, Israel aims to lock in strategic gains before US election
Israeli leaders are seeking to reshape regional landscape in Israel's favour and shield its borders from any future attacks, sources said.
Netanyahu told Trump Israel will make decisions based on its interests, PM's office says
Israel is pondering its military reaction to recent Iranian missile strikes.
Ringgit extends positive momentum to open higher against US dollar
The ringgit traded higher against the US Dollar in today's early session, driven by continued buying interest towards the local currency.
BHP faces $47 billion UK lawsuit over Brazilian dam collapse
More than 600,000 Brazilians, 46 local governments, and around 2,000 businesses are suing BHP over the collapse of the dam.
Trump hands out french fries in Pennsylvania, Harris visits Georgia churches
Both candidates were scrambling for votes in the most competitive states.
Brazil's Lula cancels BRICS trip after minor brain hemorrhage from fall
Lula "was advised to avoid long-distance air travel but is otherwise able to carry out his regular duties."