Rajnath gets a renewed three-year term as BJP President

New Delhi, Nov 26 (UNI) Driven by the BJP's desire to re-establish itself in the Hindi heartland of Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Punjab, Rajnath Singh today got a renewed three-year term as party President when he was elected unopposed this noon.

BJP National Returning Officer O P Kohli announced Mr Singh's election as the BJP President after finding all the 15 nomination papers proposing his name were in order half an hour ahead of the deadline meant for closure of nomination papers.

Mr Kohli announced Mr Singh's name as BJP President after affirming that these papers would not be withdrawn even though there was ample time for withdrawal of nomination papers.

Expressing his happiness about Mr Singh's relection, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee said the President had completed his 11 month tenure in the first phase successfully and is moving on to the second phase and the prospects for this term too would be bright and honourable. "I congratulate him on this occasion and he has my fullest cooperation", Mr Vajpayee said.

Leader of Opposition L K Advani said Mr Singh's tenure had been successful in terms of winning byelections in Madhya Pradesh and Bihar and local body elections in Uttar Pradesh. He hoped the BJP's dream of realising a 'great India' will be realised under Mr Singh's Presidency.

Acknowledging the party reposing faith in him for a second time after a 'satisfactory' 11 month term, Mr Singh said he would continue to work under the guidance of senior leaders like Mr Vajpayee and Mr Advani with cooperation from party leaders.

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