Modi a towering symbol of nationalism: Naqvi

Amid talks within BJP over prime ministerial candidate, party leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi Saturday called Narendra Modi a "towering symbol of nationalism" having country-wide appeal, but said there were a number of "capable leaders" and decision will be taken at appropriate time.

"Narendra Modi has definitely emerged, over the years, as a towering symbol of nationalism with proven record of providing good governance and tackling terrorism and lawlessness," Naqvi told reporters here.

"Although he is the Chief Minister of Gujarat, his popularity has been gradually growing outside the state and it would not be wrong to say that he has gained a country-wide appeal," he said.

"A formal decision (with regard to projecting a Prime Ministerial candidate) will be taken at an appropriate time," he said.