No leader has a clean image as Advani: Chouhan

{image-MP CM_16122007.jpg news.oneindia.in}Bhopal, Dec 16: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today claimed that no political leader including Congress President Sonia Gandhi had a clean and credible image as that of Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and former deputy premier L K Advani, who is also the BJP's prime ministerial candidate.

Hailing former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his deputy Mr Advani for setting an example by adopting clean and principle-based politics, he said Mr Advani had been given the responsibility with Mr Vajpayee's consent and blessings. ''The decision has not only put rest to media reports related to leadership tussle within the party but also sent a message that right decisions are taken by the party at right time with determination and decency,'' he said.

The Chief Minister said the decision has infused fresh blood into party workers, who had started making their efforts to see Mr Advani on the post where Mr Vajpayee started a campaign to place the country in the frontline of developed countries.

Pointing out that various partners of the NDA had welcomed the BJP's decision, Mr Chouhan said even political rivals praised strength of character of Mr Advani, whose contribution to the Centre's politics had been creditable.

''Under present circumstances, Mr Advani is in a position to provide a new direction to political scenario in the country,'' he said.

The Chief Minister said the UPA Government had started counting its days due to pressure from Left parties and he had urged Mr Advani to blow election bugle from Madhya Pradesh in this view.

UNI