Manmohan presides and Madam decides, says BJP

The BJP immediately hit back saying the comments by Singh only reflected his 8216;frustration8217; and 8216;disappointment8217; as he was not in a position to either 8216;command or give direction8217; to his government. The party8217;s opponents were also rattled, former BJP president Venkaiah Naidu said.

Amid the spat, BJP8217;s allies JD-U and Biju Janata Dal extended their support to Monday8217;s decision despite his image of a hardline Hindutva leader.

8220;We have no objection. It is not a problem for us,8221; JD-U president Sharad Yadav said, adding 8216;BJP is the largest ally of NDA and it is for that party to take a decision. So, his Advani8217;s choice is but natural8217;.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and JD-U leader hailed the decision saying Advani was a 8216;natural choice8217; after Atal Behari Vajpayee.

In a bitter personal attack, Naidu alleged that the Prime Minister was 8216;disturbed8217; and 8216;helpless8217; as the situation is that 8216;he presides and Madam decides8217; while the Left parties are threatening to pull the rug beneath his government every other day.

8220;It was a panic reaction as the Congress does not have a leader to equal Advani in stature,8221; he added.