Gadkari calls on Advani, seeks his blessings

Nitin Gadkari is the new BJP president, after senior leader Rajnath Singh made way for him. Gadkari and Sushma Swaraj represent a generational change in the BJP leadership. A day after he was made party President, Mr. Gadkari met with veteran leader L. K. Advani to seek his blessings

PASSING THE BATON: 82-year-old veteran party leader Lal Krishna Advani hugs newly appointed party president Nitin Gadkari, as outgoing president Rajnath Singh looks on. Photo: AP

Beginning his innings as new BJP President, Nitin Gadkari today called on senior party leader L K Advani to seek his blessings and support during his tenure.

Mr. Gadkari met the party veteran along with his family members. Former BJP president M Venkaiah Naidu joined them during the breakfast meeting.

Later, talking to reporters, Gadkari said, "Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Advani have been the source of inspiration for me. I had met Vajpayee yesterday.

"I am new to Delhi and national politics. But after getting the blessings of the senior leaders, I am confident of performing the duties and responsibilities entrusted to me.

After meeting Advani, my confidence has increased," the 52-year-old BJP chief said.

After taking over as BJP President on Saturday, Mr. Gadkari had called on Vajpayee and other senior leaders Sushma Swaraj, Rajnath Singh and Naidu.

He could not meet Advani on Saturday as the latter had gone to Vrindavan after the party's Parliamentary Board meeting.