Former aide’s book does not have L K Advani’s consent

As reported by The Indian Express Thursday, Srivastava in the book claims that Gujarat BJP leader Harin Pathak had in 1989 suggested Advani to field his son, Jayant, from Gandhinagar. Advani, however, refused, saying, “I do not want nepotism”, the book adds.

The book, based on Srivastava’s experiences while working with Advani for over 32 years, has many more such insights. Titled “Advani Ke Saath 32 Saal (32 years with Advani)”, the book covers many aspects of the leader’s life.

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In an interesting incident mentioned in the book from the time when NDA lost the 2004 Lok Sabha polls, Advani’s another aide, Deepak Chopra, told Srivastava that Advani did not require his services anymore. In June 2014, Srivastava left Advani’s home.

Later, the book says, Srivastava’s son Ashok wrote to Advani’s son Jayant and said it was not proper for such a message to be conveyed to his father by Deepak despite his spending 30 years as Advani’s aide. After reading it, Advani called Srivastava back and appointed him in his staff in August 2004. He finally left service in December 2005.

Sources said the book was originally proposed to be released during 2009 Lok Sabha polls, when Advani was projected BJP’s PM candidate, but Advani suggested it was not the right time.

Srivastava told The Indian Express, “I have complete respect for Advani ji. I had discussed this book with him on many occasions and edited several chapters on his advice. I had submitted him its first copy in November last year and he had never objected. I had requested him to release the book, but he did not respond. I do not know why the statement was issued today on his behalf.”