ADVANI NOT FOR PARTY PRESIDENTSHIP;

Madikeri June 23, 2009

BJP national leader L.K.Advani told here today that he is not interested to take up party president ship any more.

Advani arrived in Kodagu today for a holiday and spoke to press at Virajpet after landing. He stated that he saw some report in Delhi media projecting him as the aspirant for the top post of the party. He opined that the party has enough leaders and many new leaders have come up and they shall hold the mantle. Reacting to the victory of Congress in the recent election, he said that he respects the verdict from the people and BJP is all set to function effectively as an opposition. He explained that both BJP and Congress could fetch three digit seats in the election and it proves that people have confidence in BJP also.

Advani stated that this is his second unofficial visit to Kodagu. Apart from addressing election rallies, he had visited Field Marshall K.M.Cariappa at Madikeri long ago. “Cariappa was my good friend”, he said.

As press threw more questions, Advani said “I shall have a cup of coffee with you, but no more questions on politics.” I am on a political holiday, he quipped. He introduced his wife Kamala, son Jayanth Advani and daughter in law Rithika Advani. He said that this is the first time that he is taking five long day’s holiday with his family. He wishes to spend time enjoying the nature, keeping away from politics, he said. Kodagu has excellent nature and good people, he said.

Meanwhile Ananth Kumar also arrived in Kodagu after an hour in a separate Helicopter.

L.K.Advani arrived at Virajpet Junior College helipad at 3.10. He was received by deputy speaker K.G.Bopaiah, M.L.A.Appachu Ranjan, MLC S.G.medappa, Town panchayath president kanthi belliappa, district BJP president Sunil subramani, Deputy commissioner Ashwatha narayana Rao, SP Prakash, Assistant commissioner Akram Pasha. He waited for Anantha Kumar who was supposed to arrive in a separate Helicoptor and land with him. He proceeded as there was no sign of it. Ananth Kumar arrived at least one hour late.

Later he addressed press at the open air theatre of the Junior college for a while and proceeded towards Orange County Resort, forty Kilometers from Virajpet.

Orange County is situated at Siddaput amidst lush green forests and coffee estate. River cauvery flows through Siddapur, converting the small town into a Gods own country. Advani is put in a cottage called “Cool Villa”.

He is spending five days with his family and Ananth Kumar is also staying at orange County.

Incharge Superintendent of police Prakash J.D. told this correspondent that elaborate security arrangements under Z Plus category is being provided to Advani. The numbers and arrangements cannot be told due to security reasons, he said. The small town Siddapur is swelling with district and state police. Also seen are black commandos and plain cloths men.

Advani seen with Deputy Speaker Boapaiah and MLA Appachu Ranjan

Advani with Press

Advani at Helipad