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According to the book, Lal Krishna Advani was in a strong position within the BJP at the time and enjoyed the support of the RSS. The party leadership believed that handing over the Prime Minister’s post to Advani while nominating Vajpayee for the presidency would ensure continuity of leadership at the Centre.
If Vajpayee had become president, Advani would have been PM
New Delhi: A major political revelation about the 2002 Presidential election has emerged from Atal Smaran, a new book by Ashok Tandon, former media advisor to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The book reveals that before APJ Abdul Kalam was chosen as the NDA’s presidential candidate, the BJP had proposed that Vajpayee should move to Rashtrapati Bhavan, paving the way for Lal Krishna Advani to take over as Prime Minister.
BJP’s Proposal: Vajpayee as President, Advani as PM
According to the book, Lal Krishna Advani was in a strong position within the BJP at the time and enjoyed the support of the RSS. The party leadership believed that handing over the Prime Minister’s post to Advani while nominating Vajpayee for the presidency would ensure continuity of leadership at the Centre.
Why Vajpayee Rejected the Offer
Ashok Tandon writes that Vajpayee firmly rejected the proposal. He felt that a popular Prime Minister becoming President on the strength of a parliamentary majority would set a dangerous precedent for India’s parliamentary democracy.
“Vajpayee believed such a move would weaken democratic traditions. He said he would be the last person to support it,” Tandon notes in the book.
Consensus Politics and Kalam’s Nomination
Instead of accepting the proposal, Vajpayee reached out to opposition leaders to build consensus on a non-controversial presidential candidate. During this period, Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Pranab Mukherjee, and Dr. Manmohan Singh met Vajpayee.
When Vajpayee informed them that the NDA had decided to nominate Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the room reportedly fell silent. Sonia Gandhi later said she was surprised by the choice, adding that while the Congress had little option but to support Kalam, the party would deliberate before taking a final decision.
Kalam’s Election with NDA and Opposition Support
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was elected as India’s 11th President in 2002 with the support of both the ruling NDA and major opposition parties. He went on to serve a full term until 2007, earning widespread respect across political lines.
The Atal–Advani Relationship
Tandon also sheds light on the relationship between Vajpayee and Advani, describing it as one of mutual respect despite ideological and policy differences. Advani often referred to Vajpayee as his “leader and source of inspiration,” while Vajpayee described Advani as his “staunch companion.”
The duo, Tandon writes, played a crucial role in shaping the BJP and giving direction to both the party and the government.
A Moment of Political Grace After Parliament Attack
The book also recalls a poignant moment following the terrorist attack on Parliament on December 13, 2001. At the time, Vajpayee was watching the security operation on television when Congress President Sonia Gandhi called to check on his safety.
“I am worried about you, are you safe?” Sonia Gandhi reportedly asked.
“Sonia ji, I am safe. I was worried that you might be in the Parliament building. Take care of yourself,” Vajpayee replied.
A Missed Political Turn in History
The revelations offer a rare glimpse into a crucial moment in India’s political history—one that could have reshaped leadership at the Centre. Vajpayee’s refusal, rooted in democratic principles, ultimately led to APJ Abdul Kalam’s historic and widely celebrated presidency.
