Day after Narendra Modi-for-PM announcement, BJP leaders meet miffed Advani

New Delhi: A day after Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi was anointed as the BJP's prime ministerial candidate for 2014 elections, several leaders of the party, including Sushma Swaraj, Ananth Kumar and Ravi Shankar Prasad met LK Advani at his residence today apparently in a bid to placate the veteran leader who has staunchly opposed the Modi-for-PM decision.  (Chosen. Narendra Modi is BJP's candidate for PM)

Ms Swaraj's meeting with Mr Advani came amid reports that the 85-year-old might release a new blog voicing his dissent. But emerging after a 90-minute meeting, Ms Swaraj tried to play down the divide and told reporters that "no one is upset."

Ravi Shankar Prasad, who met Mr Advani in the evening, said, "Advaniji will always support the BJP."

Mr Advani, however, has not been discreet about his stand on the party's decision. He skipped the Friday meeting where the decision on Modi announcement was finalised. In a letter sent to party chief Rajnath Singh shortly before the parliamentary board met, he wrote he was "disappointed" with Mr Singh's way of functioning. (I am disappointed, Advani writes to BJP chief)

Earlier this week, Mr Advani had reportedly warned Mr Singh that the Modi announcement will plunge the BJP in to a "political disaster." He did not endorse the decision despite a series of visits by colleagues including the party chief. Other leaders like Ms Swaraj and Murli Manohar Joshi, who were initially opposed to Mr Modi's elevation, were eventually convinced.

After the announcement yesterday, Mr Modi headed straight to Mr Advani's residence to seek his blessings. But neither leader spoke to reporters after the 30-minute meeting.

The Gujarat Chief Minister then flew back to Ahmedabad, where he offered eloquent praise for the veteran leader. "Due to their sheer hard work, Atalji (former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee) and Advaniji are like the banyan tree of the BJP," he said while addressing supporters, and added that it is the "party's duty to preserve these trees." (Atal-Advani are BJP's banyan tree, must be protected: Modi)

In June, Mr Advani had resigned from all party posts after the BJP selected Mr Modi as its campaign-in -charge, a post that was seen as a precursor to the prime ministerial nomination. But 24 hours later, the BJP's ideological mentor - the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh or RSS - persuaded Mr Advani to rescind his resignation.