Advani's no-show: Congress takes potshot at divided BJP

NEW DELHI: Congress today took a dig at BJP over the absence of its senior leaders, including party veteran L K Advani, at the Goa meet, wondering whether those who are unable to manage their own party can run the country.


"I do not want to make any comment as it is an internal matter of that party (BJP). But at the same time, people of the country are seriously thinking that those leaders who are unable to manage their own party affairs and are fighting for unseen power, whether they are competent to run a country like India," Congress leader Rashid Alvi said.

85-year-old Advani has cited "ill health" as the reason for not attending the BJP National Executive meeting in Panaji.

The National Executive meeting is expected to discuss Modi's role in the general elections. Advani's presence on the second day of the conclave tomorrow is also uncertain.

Modi's role in the next general elections to be held in 2014 has divided BJP -- some pushing for him, others close to Advani opposing him.

Uma Bharti, Jaswant Singh, Yashwant Sinha, Shatrughan Sinha and Yogi Adityananth, also considered close to Advani, are also not attending the meeting.