NC sure Farooq will become V-P

The National Conference is sure Farooq Abdullah would become country’s Vice-President notwithstanding a sustained campaign within the BJP against it. Farooq Abdullah is in London right now and would be back on Sunday. He and his minister son Omar Abdullah are maintaining a discreet silence on the issue. Sources said Farooq has been given assurances to this affect by the Prime Minister on ‘‘at least two occasions.’’

In fact Vajpayee’s promise to Farooq is apparently linked to the crucial J-K elections. BJP top leaders are also aware of the mileage Farooq’s elevation would give to Indian stand on Kashmir at the international fora.