Will the 'rath yatra' bring LK Advani back in RSS good books?

Senior BJP leader LK Advani has set on a 38 days political pilgrimage with a definite purpose to bring the party to power at centre. Advani who reckons that nation is seized with the raging debate over anti-corruption has decided to take forward the campaign harping on his pet theme black money. And as he criss-crosses 23 states and four union territories in two phases taking breaks he will have to court uncomfortable question on whether he is in the race for prime minister or not. And Advani whose ambitions to attain the highest post is no longer a secret may not be in a position to make commitment just now as RSS has already written him off for PM post.

Ironically, in 1995, at the BJP conclave held in Mumbai LK Advani declared Atal Bihari Vajpayee as the prime minister candidate of the party. Advani’s announcement came as a major body blow to the rank and file who held the iron man as their idol. What was more intriguing is the sharp rebuke it invited from Vajpayee. In his speech at the conclave, Vajpayee made a veiled attack laced with sarcasm when he said let us first strive to bring the party to power. Making it clear that it was uncalled for to debate
on the prime ministerial candidate way ahead of the elections.

Vajpyee's dislike for being named as the prime minister was written large on his face. The committed cadre under the spell of Advani's hard Hindutva were upset. While some debated the timing of the decision many also attributed the move as greatness on part of Advani.

In September 2011, Advani had to travel all the way to RSS headquarters at Nagpur to seek their support for the rath yatra. RSS blessings came with a cruel warning that there would be no compromise on his name for prime minister even if BJP was voted to power. However, his supporters in the party argue, “It all depends on circumstance. If mid-term elections take place and BJP comes to power Advani could be the most acceptable candidate among the coalition partners and second rung leaders in the BJP.” A senior party leader said, “ even if Advani fails to become the PM he will remain the most revered leader among the grass root workers.” The BJP will always see him as a karmayogi.