Advani likely to step down on his birthday

I AM DONE: Advani is believed to have expressed his wish to retire from politics.

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New Delhi: A week after a BJP leader suggested that LK Advani’s political life was virtually over, the party veteran has expressed his desire to retire.

A prime ministerial aspirant just a few months ago, Advani is believed to have told Vishwesh Teerth Swamiji, a Hindu seer and a trustee of the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust, that he wanted a quick exit.

“Advaniji expressed his desire to retire from politics, but did not mention when. He only said that he wants to do it soon but I suggested to him to stay because BJP and the country needs his guidance,” Sri Vishwesh Teerth Swamiji of the Udupi Pejavar Math said.

The pressure on Advani has been growing since the BJP's defeat in the 2009 General Elections. A section of the party wants him to accept responsibility for the loss. That he did not have the endorsement of the RSS also became clear when Mohan Bhagwat said the leadership should make way for younger people.

However, the BJP is playing down the development.

“This meeting should not be given any political colour,” BJP Spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy said.

Speculation has been rife that Advani will step down on his birthday which is on December 25. It could be a safe and honourable exit for a leader but till then the party has to make up its mind as to who takes on from Advani or will it be the RSS who takes the final call?