DHAKA: Narendra Modi, the man expected to be India's next prime minister, is spending the morning at his residence in Gandhinagar in his home state of Gujarat.

Modi, 63, will find out by 1 pm today if his BJP and its allies have cleared the 272-seat mark needed for him to form the government.  Sources close to him say he is unlikely to leave his home till the results are clear.  He may then visit his mother at her house before heading for a rally to Vadodara, one of the two constituencies from where he is running for Parliament. 

On the campaign trail, in speeches often laden with sarcasm and barbs for the Gandhis who lead the incumbent Congress, Modi has promised to clean up the corruption-wracked government.

A talented orator and master of communication -- he has appeared as a hologram at simultaneous political rallies -- he has avoided right-wing rhetoric in his speeches and focused on vowing to resuscitate the economy and create jobs.  

Source: NDTV

BDST: 1048 HRS, MAY 16, 2014