Naidu back, doesn’t mind no. 2 spot

At that time he had cited two reasons. The first was his wife’s ill-health. Second, in face of the new challenges faced by the BJP after the May 2004 defeat, it needed an experienced leader like Advani at the helm.

These official reasons apart, it was well known in party circles that Naidu was unhappy at the ‘‘lack of cooperation’’ from colleagues. Uma Bharati had famously banged down the phone on Naidu, accusing him of sabotaging her tiranga yatra. Other second-rung leaders too did not accord Naidu the respect he deserved as party chief.

As long as the BJP was in power, most second generation leaders were content with being ministers and did not covet party posts. But after the defeat, it was that much more difficult for Naidu — who was regarded as junior to the likes of Sushma Swaraj, Uma Bharati, Pramod Mahajan et al — to remain the boss.

However, Naidu remained an Advani favourite. A BJP functionary who did not want to be named told The Indian Express that Advani and Naidu share ‘‘an excellent personal equation’’ and ‘‘Naidu was under pressure to join Advani’s team from Day One.’’

At the party’s Ranchi national executive in November, Naidu was given a host of responsibilities — from heading a team to investigate farmers suicides to being made in charge of the BJP’s silver jubilee celebrations. Besides, he accompanied Advani everywhere. He attended the RSS conclave in Hardwar and sat in on meetings between Advani and the Gujarat dissidents.

According to BJP sources, Naidu’s ‘‘enthusiasm and capacity for hard work’’ has endeared him to Advani. Besides, Naidu — who faced flak from Vajpayee for his ‘‘twin mascot’’ thesis in 2003 — is also a total Advani loyalist. Unlike Govindacharya who had been Advani’s favourite in the late 1980s, Naidu is unlikely to ever question his leader on any account, sources said.

Announcing Naidu’s appointment, Arun Jaitley told reporters today that he had wanted to work for the party without any post but was finally persuaded by Advani to take it up.

Sources said Naidu was understandably reluctant to accept a “demotion” but his decision to accept the post shows his ‘‘commitment’’ to the party and the chief. His return to the team of office-bearers also makes him a contender when the race for the top post hots up post-Advani.