Narendra Modi vs Rahul Gandhi: Election not a beauty contest,says Jairam Ramesh

Dismissing the talk of next general elections becoming a contest between personalities,possibly involving Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Congress scion Rahul Gandhi,union minister Jairam Ramesh today said elections were not 8220;a beauty contest8221;.

8220;Elections in India are not fought between personalities. It is not a beauty contest between political parties,8221; Ramesh said,when asked about the possibility that Modi would be projected as prime ministerial candidate of BJP.

8220;Elections cannot be trivialised. We do not have a presidential system like in US because polls here are contested by political parties and not by personalities,8221; said the activist minister on the sidelines of IRMA convocation.

8220;Polls will take place when they are due next March or April. Congress will contest polls on its strength. We have alliances in Maharashtra,Kerala,UP with different parties,8221; Ramesh said.