NEW DELHI: The BIP is closely “monitoring developments in the Congress as its hopes of coming to power fat the Center rest largely on what ‘happens within the former ruling party. Should the Congress decide to assume the role of a neutral Opposition party, BJP leaders feel that the President will have no option but to invite Atal Behari Vajpayee as the elected head of the single largest party to }form the next Government. Although the situation continues to remain fluid, the BJP moved with {single-minded determination last ‘week to stake its claim to office.
While the mood in the party was clearly upbeat, senior BJP leader were Cautious about their chances of winning the race for power. “It all depends on what happens in the Congress,” admitted a party general secretary.
‘The assessment of the BJP strategists is that if Rao retains his position as leader of his Parliamentary party, it clears the way for a BJP Government.
Rao’s primary concern, fee! BJP insiders, is to ensure that the next Government will not persecute him. The BJP has signaled its assurance through a phone call from Vajpayee to Rao some weeks ago expressing regret for the misunderstanding caused by @ reported statement that a BJP Government would institute cases against him.
He said that getting the support of the regional parties would not be a problem once it became clear that Vajpayee would head the next Government.
‘The regional bosses, with whom the BIP is in touch through nonpolitical ‘emissaries are reported to have indicated that they were waiting for the Picture at the Center to clarify before deciding which way to swing.
As of now, the BJP’s committed ‘support from the vast number of “others” is only from the Akali Dal in Punjab, with which it had an unspoken agreement during the elections.
‘The rest are “waiting and watching.”
Article extracted from this publication >> May 15, 1996
