The Unseen Dynamics of Leadership: Vajpayee, Advani, and the Elevation of Kalam

Before APJ Abdul Kalam was considered for India's presidency, there were internal suggestions within BJP to make Atal Bihari Vajpayee President. However, Vajpayee refused to set a precedent based on majority virtue. Kalam eventually became President in 2002 with support from both NDA and the Opposition.

In a pivotal moment of India's political history, suggestions arose from within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to elevate then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to the presidency, proposing Lal Krishna Advani as his successor. This revelation is documented by Ashok Tandon, Vajpayee's media advisor, in his book 'Atal Sansmaran.'

Despite the proposition, Vajpayee declined, asserting that obtaining the presidency by virtue of his parliamentary majority would set a concerning precedent for Indian democracy. Instead, a consensus was formed, leading to the unanimous nomination of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, who was elected President in 2002 with bipartisan support.

Tandon writes of a notable camaraderie between Vajpayee and Advani, describing it as a model of partnership within Indian politics. Even in turbulent times, such as during the 2001 Parliament attack, leaders across party lines, including Sonia Gandhi, showed mutual concern, highlighting the depth of political relationships during Vajpayee's era.

(With inputs from agencies.)