Mood In Bjp Was Different

The mood in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was different. In the morning, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Advani and a sizeable section of the Cabinet were there to anoint Venkaiah Naidu as party president. Party workers from nearby states, in a convoy of nearly 300 cars, jostled and cheered as Naidu was crowned the BJP chief. Speeches were made praising Naidu's contribution to the party.

Party workers couldn't help noting the fact that no such ceremony was held when Jana Krishnamurthy took over as the party president. However, similar ceremonies had been conducted when Tehelka-tainted Bangaru Laxman, who was absent today, had taken over.

Naidu announced that his thrust would be on ensuring that the BJP had "ability and mobility". The party would have both people with talent and mental agility, he said. Significantly, Naidu said he would make sure that Advani visited the party headquarters at least twice a week. This hasn't happened since Advani was party president.

The reshuffle was quite like the uncertain weather in Delhi this evening. Party managers tried hard to convince each other that the task of the reshuffle would radically change the functioning of the government and the party. However, only tired hope gleamed in the eyes of the MPs.