Govt trapped in anti-BJP mode, distracted: Advani

POWER POLITICS: I see NDA coming back to power and continuing the good work we did, says Advani.

        

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LK Advani: It is not a problem of anti-incumbency there. There are other problems also and we will get over the ones that you mentioned just now.

Rajdeep Sardesai: You don’t see anti-incumbency as a problem that could burden the BJP?

LK Advani: No, anti-incumbency is a problem which after my decades of experience I have come to the conclusion that it is not necessarily against the government or the chief minister. It is more against the MLAs, MPs and to some extent some ministers. If you are able to deal with it properly then you overcome it.

Rajdeep Sardesai: My final question then to you is that we called this programme prime minister-in-waiting. Be honest sir, do you believe that the momentum that you have had over the last few months will really sustain you till March-April?

LK Advani: I don’t see the whole issue in terms of person, not even myself. I see it as an occasion and an opportunity for the NDA to return to power and continue the excellent work that it was doing from 1998 to 2004.

Rajdeep Sardesai: And you don’t see a khichdi coming in 2009 as many people see coming – Mayawati and smaller parties becoming the dominant force. You don’t see that happening?

LK Advani: I foresee once again an alliance coming into power. I am not thinking in terms of the BJP alone ruling the country, but I do not see how that khichdi…

The khichdi that we had for six years did not give us any problems. We were able to manage it very well.

Rajdeep Sardesai: We have seen remarkable micro-management by the BJP in Karnataka led by Arun Jaitley. He has almost become this master in election management, what’s the secret mantra? Is he going to be now your campaign manager for Lok Sabha also?

LK Advani: He is an excellent colleague, there is no doubt about it. We have other colleagues also and everyone has his own specialties. Arun, no doubt, is remarkable.

Rajdeep Sardesai: Mr Advani, thank you very much for talking to CNN-IBN.

LK Advani: Thank you.