LK Advani, Did He Finally Arrive?

The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, L.K. Advani was in news over the past few days. Firstly, it was for the tech savy BJP and its chief Advani to launch their website http://www.lkadvani.in/ Then, Advani went on to release his autobiography, My Country My Life.

The book has been translated and released into many Indian Languages which were released by celebrities. Notable among them were the original book launch done by former president APJ Abdul Kalam. Then, the Kannada version of the book (Nanna Desha, Nanna Jeevana) was launched by NR Narayana Murthy, the founder of Indian IT bellwether Infosys. Next the Tamil version (En Desam En Vazhkai) was released by Tamil Super Star, matinee idol Rajni Kant

After all these launches and meetings, came the assembly elections of MP, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Delhi and Mijoram. Now, looking at the performance of BJP in these elections, I’m puzzled whether LK Advani, the iron man of India finally arrive?

Firstly, his handling and the BJP’s approach towards rising prices and the impact of global economic crisis on India were below par for a prime-ministerial hopeful. BJP & Advani did not seem to have a clue on what is happening across the world and how the government should be cornered on its policy related lapses.

Next, BJP & Advani miserably failed in handling the events leading to the assembly elections across 5 states. His responses to the series of bomb blasts and the Malegaon probe have been confusing. He neither took a tough stand on terrorism, nor did he adopt a Hindutva approach. Advani’s & BJP response to Mumbai attacks was the culmination of the confusion, as they are undecided whether to take a political mileage out of it or should they stand clean with complete support to the ruling UPA government. The results are seen in urban vote in Delhi, where the voters displayed their aversion to politicians.

Finally, having routed in the much touted Semi-Finals to the next year’s general elections, Advani now faces dissidence in his own camp. As the party reviews the recent election performance, the blame game has started. Senior colleagues of Advani accused the current leadership of losing a golden opportunity at the recently concluded elections.

With all these happenings, I sincerely doubt, whether the prime minister in waiting, Mr. LK Advani, finally arrive? Does BJP has any alternative to offer to the current mood of the electorate?