BJP's PM candidate Narendra Modi with party patriarch L K Advani at the meeting
Among a number of floral bouquets that
Narendra Modi received at a meeting of top BJP leaders today, was one from LK Advani, his one time mentor.
As Mr Advani handed him the flowers, a smiling Mr Modi bent to touch the feet of the 86-year-old party patriarch, who blessed him. The two leaders then shared a brief embrace.
Mr Advani had yesterday phoned Mr Modi to congratulate him on the party's spectacular performance in the general elections. But he later also suggested an assessment of how much Narendra Modi's leadership had contributed to the win. (
Modi's Role In BJP Victory Needs to Be Assessed, Says Advani)
"I think there should be a detailed analysis on this. It needs to be assessed as to how much contribution has been made by Narendra Modi's leadership, RSS and BJP towards the party's victory," he said, asserting that the verdict was "against corruption, inflation and dynasty." (
No 'Remote Control', Says BJP Mentor RSS)
Mr Modi is set to be the country's next Prime Minister and there have been several meetings in the last few days to decide on Mr Advani's role in a Narendra Modi dispensation. Sources say Mr Advani is keen to be the Lok Sabha Speaker. (
Advani Could be Speaker, Sushma Wants a Top-4 Ministry: Sources)
Over the last many months, Mr Advani has been one of the biggest critics of Mr Modi within the BJP.
He staged sulks when promotions were announced for Mr Modi, scripting some awkward public moments. In September last year, soon after Mr Modi was named as the party's prime ministerial candidate, the two leaders shared the stage at an election rally in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. (
Also See: When Advani looked away and Modi touched his feet)
When Mr Modi touched Mr Advani's feet, the latter barely looked at him. He remained unsmiling for most part of the rally, billed as a Narendra Modi show.
Mr Advani had stayed away from the meeting called to name Mr Modi the party's PM candidate and had also stayed away from a Goa conclave, where the Gujarat Chief Minister was declared campaign chief for the national election.