Image build-up bid disappoints BJP

KOCHI: Narendra Modi's efforts to build a secular image during his visit to Kerala on Sunday by meeting some bishops in the city did not yield much results.
Though there were reports about bishops from various Christian denominations calling on Modi, only two bishops -Orthodox Syrian Church bishop Mar Athanasius of Chengannur diocese and Ahmedabad bishop Geerverghese Mar Julius - turned up to meet him.
The bishops described the visit as purely personal. "We spent about half an hour with Modi, and it was just a courtesy call. We did not discuss any political issue. I was in Gujarat from 1996 to 1985, I know him personally,'' Bishop Mar Athanasius said.
"We will only be happy if Modi becomes the prime minister. I have seen the developments that Gujarat had achieved under Modi, and I don't see anything wrong in him becoming the prime minister,'' he said in response to questions.