Advani confident about BJP prospects

Former deputy prime minister Lal Krishna Advani on Monday expressed confidence about the party’s prospects in Bihar elections and termed the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) a ‘men making machinery’ required for nation-building.

A nostalgic Advani also remembered Atal Bihari Vajpayee and said he had learnt a lot from the former prime minister who is ailing now.

Advani was here on Monday to release the autobiography written by late Raj Kumar Sama, a committed worker associated with the outfit since the days of Jansangh.

Replying to party workers’ questions, Advani lauded the progress made by the BJP. “Who would have dreamt two years ago about the BJP coming to power in the centre on its own?” he questioned. ”We should not be content with this as there are shortcomings too, but taking lessons from leaders like Raj Kumar Sama we can remove these shortcomings,” he said. “Bihar main woh hoga jo hum chahenge,” (What the party wishes would happen in Bihar) said Advani when asked about the party’s prospects in Bihar, exuding confidence.

Earlier, addressing the gathering, Advani recollected the address of Swami Vivekanand during World Parliament of Religions in Chicago where he mesmerised the world audience through his lectures based on Indian ideology. “Initially Swami Vivekanand was not even permitted to speak but later he took Europe and the USA by storm,” said Advani.