Advani as Atal’s deputy doesn’t enthuse parivar

More important, Advani would have the authority to control a multi-party, multi-ideology cabinet, particularly when Vajpayee is abroad.At the same time there is another line of thinking on the issue within the BJP and RSS.

One school of thought is that creating a Deputy PM’s post was not healthy and would send the wrong message. A senior leader toldThe Indian Express: “So far, the position has been created only to appease someone (as Devi Lal was during the V P Singh Government). We don’t believe in this in the BJP,”.There is a belief that it is Advani who calls the shots although Vajpayee is the party’s prime ministerial candidate.

Asked about this, Advani replied, “It doesn’t worry me. It’s interesting, embarrassing sometimes, but more often amusing.”Advani has made it clear that he will continue to be in a key position if his party comes to power.