BJP refuses to comment on Advani's statements

New Delhi, Dec 11: The BJP today declined to comment on the statements of Leader of Opposition L K Advani's about he leading the party in the 2009 elections in his capacity as "PM in waiting" and the possibility of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee not backing him in the race for the top job.

Asked for his comments on the issue, BJP Parliamentary Party Spokesman Vijay Kumar Malhotra said he had no remarks to make whatsover. If at all there are any comments coming it may come from the party not from the Parliamentary Party.

However Mr Advani's interview with CNN-IBN tv channel where he has made comments like that he had been reduced to the status of a 'consultant' in the BJP and his dissatisfaction about the party's inability to cash on his initiative achieved during his last year's Pakistan visit are not being taken kindly by the party.

All eyes are now focussed towards Mr Vajpayee since Mr Advani considered as one of his long standing partners in Indian politics had directly referred to him by stating that he was not expecting Mr Vajpayee to 'return the favour' by supporting his candidature for the race to Prime Ministership.

This statement is seen as one more attempt against the RSS' 'pressure tactics'. He had opposed its interference as President of the BJP even at the National Executive at Chennai, sources said, on condition of anonymity.

UNI