This Article is From May 19, 2009

Sushma, frontrunner for Advani's post

New Delhi:

The BJP lost the battle, but now it fights a war - a war within. And thus came a proclamation on Monday.

"We will keep talking to him. Advani has agreed to lead the party in the lower house," said BJP President, Rajnath Singh.

So, what made Advani, who had declared even during the campaign that this was his last waltz decide to stay on?

Party sources say that it was only to prevent a full blown family feud in the parivar. The contenders include, Sushma Swaraj and Jaswant Singh, but Advani's old challenger, Murli Manohar Joshi was the first to stake claim.

"I am ready to carry out any responsibility the party gives me," senior leader of BJP, Murli Manohar Joshi said.

But it is clear that the BJP is merely buying time. Advani is not likely to remain leader of the opposition for more than a few months.

The RSS is already talking about younger leaders and even BJP MPs can read the writing on the wall.

"I don't think Advani can continue for a long time," said Baliram Kashyap, BJP MP.

Advani's rath yatra helped Vajpayee become prime minister. He waited for 5 years for 2009. Now the old yatri starts a new journey - he has to ensure smooth succession - or watch like Bheeshma Pitamah, from a bed of arrrows in epic Mahabharat, his family at war.

.