Rajnath denies rift in BJP over Modi, downplays reports of an 'upset' Advani

L K Advani remains a stumbling block for BJP in finalising the name of Narendra Modi as its PM candidate. (PTI)

Amid hectic efforts to convince L K Advani to give up his opposition to Narendra Modi as Prime Ministerial candidate, BJP president Rajnath Singh on Thursday said there was no rift in the party over the issue.

Related: To break ice over Modi, RSS chief breaks bread with Advani

"There is no problem...I want to say," Singh said here when asked whether there is any hitch in declaring Modi as BJP Prime Ministerial candidate.

Related: Advani resigns after Modi made poll chief

Singh had a 30-minute meeting with Advani on Wednesday to persuade him on Modi's candidature but failed to get an assurance, sources said.

Related: Enter Narendra Modi, exit L K Advani

Asked when the parliamentary party meeting will take place, Singh said, "It will be conveyed to you. It will be announced."

Related: Advani says Chouhan better than Modi

When asked repeatedly whether there is any unhappiness in the party over Modi issue, he said, "No one is unhappy in the party."

Related: For peace in BJP ranks, Narendra Modi meets L K Advani

"A decision on the issue will be taken by the Parliamentary Board with as much consensus as possible," BJP spokesperson Sudanshu Trivedi has said yesterday in reply to a question on whether all members are on board on Modi.

Related: Advani says Chouhan better than Modi

Nitin Gadkari had met Advani on Tuesday as an emissary of the RSS for the same purpose but reportedly went back empty-handed.

There are reports that RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat may meet Modi in Gandhinagar today to discuss this issue. RSS has categorically said there is no dispute over Modi's name but the timing of the announcement has to be decided by the BJP.