On June 29, when Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee named Home Minister L.K. Advani as deputy prime minister, the move evoked diverse reactions. Although the elevation surprised few — Advani was No. 2 in the cabinet and was the person in charge in Vajpayee’s absence — critics said the appointment symbolized the firmer grip the hardline faction of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) now had on the government. His supporters, however, saw it as an inevitable promotion — one that ended all ambiguity over who would succeed Vajpayee. Analyzing the implications of the move are senior BJP leaders Arun Jaitley, V.K. Malhotra and C.K. Padmanabhan, former Gujarat chief minister and Congress Party leader Amarsinh Choudhary, Congress Party leader and Kerala’s Health Minister P. Sankaran, and New Delhi-based political commentator Mahesh Daga.

I do not visualize any implication, as such, for the nation in L.K. Advani’s elevation as deputy prime minister. The home minister’s selection for the post is purely an internal matter that was taken within the premises of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

At the same time, what I would like to say as the spokesman for the BJP is that Advani’s enhanced role has proved to the people that while he was a de facto No. 2 in the party earlier, he has now become a de jure No. 2.

There is no denying the fact that his elevation is a good sign for the party. Calling Advani a hardliner is nothing but a label that has been forced by the media. As for the BJP, I do not see any division within its ranks, such as hardliner or softliner. Also, this entire issue of the coalition partners of the National Democratic Alliance being comfortable with Advani or not has no basis. I do not agree with the perception, if there is any, that the NDA allies, at any point of its history, were ill at ease with Advani, or his style of functioning. I have always found its leaders accepting him as a noble politician and extending full support to his decisions.

ARUN JAITLEY
General Secretary, Bharatiya Janata Party

I also want to emphasize that Advani’s elevation will in no way hamper Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s image. It was the party’s decision. Advani deserved to be deputy prime minister and Vajpayee appointed him thus. There is no space for any other interpretation. o

L.K. Advani deserved the recent elevation as India’s deputy prime minister. He is the No. 2 leader in the Bharatiya Janata Party, after Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Moreover, he has always worked as a bridge between the party and the nation.

There is no denying the fact that his elevation is a good sign for the party. Calling Advani a hardliner is nothing but a label that has been forced by the media. As for the BJP, I do not see any division within its ranks, such as hardliner or softliner.

Vajpayee has elevated him to the post of his deputy, keeping in mind Advani’s popularity among the masses, as also within the party. The party cadre is extremely delighted to see Advani working shoulder-to-shoulder with Vajpayee in the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition. There is also no doubt about its positive implications for the country.

In fact, there is no merit in the perception that Advani’s elevation indicates the strengthening of the so-called hardline elements in the BJP. Advani is in no way a hardliner as people think him to be. Rather, his is a soft-spoken, moderate personality. He seems to be “hard” when he comes to formulate a decision in the larger interests of the nation.

V.K. MALHOTRA
Spokesman, Bharatiya Janata Party

If he takes strong measures, the opposition makes a hue and cry — alleging that he is a hawk. When the nation demands harsh measures, one has to go for harsh decisions. Advani follows this policy to keep the nation’s head high.

He is always sensitive while dealing with issues of import for the nation — a truly a noble character and an extremely helpful person within the BJP. So, his rise should not be seen as the politics of opportunism. Our nation’s interests are supreme for the party, as also Advani. As far as our allies are concerned, they may have had some differences with Advani in the past, but having worked under the NDA umbrella, they have understood his style of functioning and are in tune with his decisiveness. His strong vision and sensitivity have proved him an able leader of the NDA government.

At the same time, there is no question of Vajpayee leaving the political stage — he is a leader of the masses and will ever remain so. In the party, he is a father figure and a patriarch always remains the head of the family.

Therefore, there was no question of the allies opposing the prime minister’s decision to make Advani his deputy. Even in his ongoing innings as the Union home minister, no ally in the coalition questioned his decisions.

I also believe that Advani’s rise would strengthen not only the NDA and the BJP, but also the nation. At the same time, there is no question of Vajpayee leaving the political stage — he is a leader of the masses and will ever remain so. In the party, he is a father figure — and a patriarch always remains the head of the family. Under his leadership, the coalition will complete its tenure.

In fact, the Vajpayee-Advani duo will lead India toward the path of success. Their relationship is smooth, which is good both for the party and the nation. o

C.K. PADMANABHAN
Kerala Unit Chief, Bharatiya Janata Party

The elevation, of course, is to be seen as a positive development. This move is going to strengthen the government and it is good for the country as a whole. It is a wrong perception that has been created by many that Advani is from the school of hardliners.

This has occurred mainly because, on the outside, Advani has taken very stern measures as the home minister — and now as the deputy prime minister. Otherwise, Advani is a perfect gentleman. What must also be noted is that the allies of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government — no matter from where they are — always make their moves based on circumstances. After all, when power is a crucial factor, all other differences take a back seat.

As for the Bharatiya Janata Party, it is not a safe proposition for any political formation to have a single leader who enjoys the status of a superman.