Advani claims credit for stepping down from post

L K Advani, who has been ruling the roost in the Bharatiya Janata Party along with former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, claimed credit for stepping down as Sushma Swaraj took over the Leader of the Oppposition's post from him.

"I was directly and indirectly sounded if I wanted to continue but I declined," Advani told journalists in an informal chat.

"I do not want to comment on these developments," Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi told rediff.com, wanting steer clear of this controversial topic. 

Arun Jaitley, who was hopeful that he would wrest the presidency of the party from Nitin Gadkari, has had to satify himself with a spacious room and large staff at the party headquarters. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat has has the last word in the appointment of Gadkari as BJP president.

Gadkari has already sent his luggage to Delhi and is in waiting to formally take over as party chief. There are few in the party who are willing to take the new appointment with a pinch of salt.