BJP projects a happy, united family

Bharati then trained her guns on the UPA Government, especially the Left’s stand on foreign experts in the Planning Commission. ‘‘They will soon realise the folly of having a foreigner as the UPA chairman,’’ she said.

The yatra climax was dampened by the local administration which refused permission to proceed to the original destination—Jallianwalla Bagh. Yet, Bharati insisted the yatra was a success.

Earlier, she had admitted that the attendance in Punjab was low, but the enthusiasm high. It was left to Vajpayee then to see the humour amidst the black. ‘‘We should be grateful to them for they are protecting the glorious yatra from the evil eye,’’ he said.

Akali Dal chief Parkash Singh Badal, meanwhile, urged Bharati to campaign for his party to ensure Congress’ defeat in the bypolls. Bharati promised to oust the ‘‘Sonia government’’ itself.

She downplayed her differences with Naidu, saying the BJP chief had gone out of his way to ensure the yatra’s success. ‘‘The yatra was my idea, but I am a mere MLA. He made Ananth Kumar convenor and Shahnawaz Hussain the co-convenor.’’ Then, she painted a picture of a united family, waxing eloquent on how L.K. Advani treats her like a daughter. ‘‘Naidu calls me a kid, I’ve played on Atalji’s lap, Sushma Swaraj is my elder sister, Jaitley is like a brother,’’ she said.

When reminded about her statements owning up to differences with Naidu, she admitted there were some issues to be sorted out. ‘‘They have nothing to do with the yatra or the polls, they are about principles. I don’t want to discuss them.’’ What she did want to discuss was Mahatma Gandhi. ‘‘I want to merge in him, he is God to me,’’ she smiled.