10.6.13

Advani calls it quits



BJP’s parliamentary board unanimously rejected the resignation of LK Advani, but gave no indication of any concession to mollify the veteran leader. The resignation of Advani, 85, from all party positions earlier in the day had shocked the principal Opposition party and cast apall over the elevation of Narendra Modi as the head of the party’s campaign committee for the 2014 general elections. “Ever since the Jan Sangh, Advaniji has been our leader and guide. BJP’s parliamentary board has rejected Advani’s resignation. We request him to withdraw his resignation,” party president Rajnath Singh said after the meeting. There was no mention of any rescinding of Modi’s appointment, seen as the trigger for Advani’s move.
Sources in the parliamentary board said there was no question of rethinking or reversing the decisions taken in the national executive of the party in Goa. “No face-saving or compromise formula has been offered. Senior leaders and members of the board went and appealed to him to take back his resignation,” said a board member.
Sources familiar with Advani’s thinking described the parliamentary board’s statement as too little too late, indicating he may not withdraw his resignation. Interestingly, the statement does not make any mention about the points specifically raised in Advani’s letter. 

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