Advani to hold Leader of Opposition's post for full term

Notwithstanding LK Advani's initial reluctance to take up the job of Leader of Opposition after the party's Lok Sabha poll debacle, the BJP leader and the party today made it clear that he would continue to hold the post for its full term.

Notwithstanding LK Advani's initial reluctance to take up the job of Leader of Opposition after the party's Lok Sabha poll debacle, the BJP leader and the party today made it clear that he would continue to hold the post for its full term.

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Putting the lid on speculation of the 81-year-old leader's early retirement from politics, the BJP declared that he has been elected Leader of the Opposition "without a deadline".

"We have elected him for a full term. We did not elect him Leader of Opposition with a deadline...I am saying this with my authority as his deputy," Deputy Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj told reporters.

Swaraj made the remark at the press conference addressed by Advani, who was projected as NDA's prime ministerial candidate in the last Lok Sabha polls.

Seeking to endorse Swaraj, Advani said, "Whatever I agree to was of my own volition. The kind of political life I have and the kind of appreciation I have received from the country...I don't do anything on which I am reluctant."

Besides, he told the questioner, "If your question is a suggestion for action, I will certainly ponder over that."