Shekhawat the rebel takes ill, supports Advani

Veteran BJP leader and former vice-president Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, who gave the party the jitters over the issue of prime ministership by declaring a few months ago that he may contest the Lok Sabha election, seems to have fallen in line. In a phone interview to DNA, he openly came out in support of LK Advani as the prime ministerial candidate. Here’s what he said.

You have appealed to voters to elect the BJP, so that LK Advani becomes prime minister. This came soon after Advani visited your house (in Delhi). Did he make a request to this effect?
No, he did not make any request, he need not. Whatever I have said is in the capacity of a BJP worker. Advani is the most suitable candidate for prime ministership.

After declaring that you would contest as an independent a few months ago, when some sections started projecting you as a potential prime ministerial candidate, you backed out. Why?
My health did not allow me to contest. I am still not fully well.

A section of BJP leaders has projected Narendra Modi for the top post.
He is not contesting for the post. He has not even filed his nomination papers.

You have friends in all parties. Do the BJP and Advani want you to play a big role in cobbling together a majority to form government, if such a situation arises?
No such discussions have taken place between Advani and me. He visited me to enquire about my health, as I have been unwell for quite some time. I am functioning as a BJP worker and will continue to do so.

There is a feeling that you have been maintaining a distance from Rajasthan BJP leaders.
My health has been a cause of concern in the last few months. I was planning to come to Jaipur, but now my wifehas fallen ill. If things improve, I will come to Jaipur soon.