Vapi:
As BJP leader LK Advani's
Jan Chetna Yatra entered Gujarat, it received a floral welcome. That was usual.
The unusual part, however, was the chemistry Advani - the mentor - and Narendra Modi - the protege - displayed.
Mr Advani's first rally in the state was in Vapi. And from the moment these two leaders walked up to the stage and walked off, they praised each other.
"Gujarat is the only state in the country, where there is good governance and
swaraj. This has been possible under the able leadership of Narendra Modi," Mr Advani said.
"The Congress says they are 'helpless' about corruption, but I say it is their helplessness and not ours. Fight against corruption will continue, be it through, Anna Hazare, Baba Ramdev or Advaniji. The corrupt government will have to come down," said Mr Modi.
But all along, they sat away from each other. While Mr Advani sat on a golden throne, Mr Modi sat on the sofa with the state BJP president sitting between them. It meant that there was no interaction, or eye contact between the two leaders.
If Mr Modi kept a distance, distant Bihar and its Chief Minister Nitish Kumar found a place in Mr Advani's speech. This despite the fact that the Bihar Chief Minister is keeping Mr Modi out of poll campaigns in Bihar.
"He (Nitish Kumar) has understood the people's needs. This I have not seen in any other state," said Mr Advani.
But party leaders said Mr Modi allowed the focus to remain on Mr Advani. And for the party function, the state unit chief was given prominence.
It is for the first time that Mr Advani and Mr Modi have sat separately. In the past, both the leaders have stood and sat side by side.
The unease perhaps started after Mr Modi, believed to be chasing Delhi ambitions, said no to Mr Advani's
yatra starting from Gujarat. The senior BJP leader shifted to Bihar - and Mr Modi's bete noir flagged off his
yatra.
This has the BJP worried. The
yatra will continue for two more days in Gujarat and Mr Modi and Mr Advani will be together. But their ambitions and the distance between them will remain in focus.
(With PTI inputs)