Sir — This refers to the article, “Iron man’s bonds with BJP, RSS unbreakable” (September 20) by M Rama Jois. Despite recent developments, BJP veteran lK Advani’s position has not weakened in the party.
He remains a mass leader who is not confined to a particular constituency or belt. If Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has a pan-India appeal, so does Mr Advani. Not even his worst critics can deny his enormous contribution to the growth of the BJP over the decades.
Mr Advani has won over many people with his frank opinions and blunt messages of sense. His qualities of the head and heart and his ability to handle crises will hold the BJP in good stead. Mr Advani is both malleable and firm, as a statesman should be. He is not bitterly stung by Mr Modi’s elevation, and he has shown that by praising the Gujarat Chief Minister at a recent event.
Post-2014, Mr Advani may hold an ace or two up his sleeve to calm down some aggressive NDA partners, if the BJP falls short of the requisite number to form the Government.
He is one leader of stature in the party who has the ability to bring in new allies into the NDA and impress upon all of them on the need to stand behind the BJP to prevent the Congress-led UPA from bouncing back through
