The first story on Advani as Dy PM. May 24, 2001

Parivar wants Advani as deputy PM? By Rajesh Ramachandran
May 24, 2001 

The Times of India News Service 

NEW DELHI: The Sangh Parivar-Prime Minister Vajpayee tension may be heading towards a solution after a series of closed-door meetings and high-level consultations. According to Sangh Parivar sources, the crux of the solution could be the appointment of home minister Advani as the deputy Prime Minister. 

The Parviar hardliners maintain that the deputy PM option is the only one available because any change of leadership at this stage would weaken the government as a whole. A senior Parivar leader, however, said, "It is left entirely to PM Vajpayee to take a decision. Either way, we would honour his decision." Parivar sources suggest that the PM's enforced hospital stay for knee surgery in mid-June could be an opportune moment for the announcement. 

This development comes as a consequence of a series of events since the March 'Armsgate' expose. While the government was attacked by the Opposition, the Sangh Parivar focused its attacks on the PMO. The subtext of the Parivar attacks on Vajpayee's foster son-in-law and principal secretary Brajesh Mishra was the grouse that the PM had strayed too far away from the Sangh Parivar and its ideology. This was followed by the poor performance of the BJP's allies in the recent assembly elections, a factor that has had a negative effect on the government's image. In these circumstances, there has been a growing feeling within the Sangh Parivar that the government's future can be salvaged by making Advani the deputy PM. 

There was some speculation about the PM formally handing over charge to Advani before he went in for his earlier knee surgery. But this did not materialise. This time around, with changes in the political situation, opinion has built up within the Parivar in favour of an image- lift for the government, especially with the assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh scheduled as early as October or latest by March 2002. 

A section of the Parivar also feels that the public perception of Advani as a tough customer could help in redeeming the government's tottering image. More importantly, Ayodhya and Hindutva could still be the rallying points in UP, with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad all set to begin its agitation programme in September. 

"Advani can formally help out the PM. Contrary to rumours, the PM is healthy. He merely needs a strong No 2 who can keep tabs on the administration. Vajpayee will still be the undisputed leader of the NDA, in total control of the government," said a senior Parivar leader. The RSS leadership is wary about making any public comment on the issue. For the record, they maintain that the question of Advani being sworn in as deputy PM never arose during the May 11 luncheon meeting that RSS leaders had with the PM.