Indore, February 19
The three-day BJP jamboree concluded here today with veteran BJP leader LK Advani finally indicating his intent to call it a day, a demand from the RSS and sections of his party that had been gathering momentum since the May 2009 General Election.

Advani also implicitly confirmed for the first time that he was under pressure to quit. “In the last quarter of 2009, in my discussions with my party colleagues and the parivar (RSS) I had assured them that I would see to it that by early 2010 a smooth generational transition takes place in both the Parliamentary wing as well as the organisational wing of the BJP. The parliamentary change over was completed in December 2009. I feel satisfied that with this session, even at the organisational level, the new party president has taken over,” said Advani. “In this gathering, perhaps, I am the oldest. As the oldest person I, too, am entitled to some well-earned leave.”

Advani mentioned that he suggested Indore for the venue of the convention because it was the first Indian town he visited way back in 1943 when he came here for his Officers’ Training Course (OTC) with RSS after joining the parivar. “For me, this 67-year journey from Indore to Indore has been really inspiring and fruitful.”