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Sheela Bhatt in New Delhi
Key National Democratic Alliance allies Samata Party and Janata Dal (United) on Saturday night welcomed the elevation of Home Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani as the deputy prime minister saying the country will get more political stability.
Samata Party spokesman Shambhu Srivastava, while congratulating Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, said the decision to elevate Advani was unanimous by the ruling National Democratic Alliance after its convenor and Defence Minister George Fernandes held consultations with allies before Vajpayee took the decision.
When asked about Communist Party of India - Marxist leader Harkishen Singh Surjeet's criticism that the elevation of Advani marginalises other constituents of the NDA, Srivastava said, "This is far from the truth as in the reshuffle (to take place on Monday) the number of non-BJP ministers holding important portfolios will increase."
Responding to the Congress criticism on the elevation of 'hawkish elements' and silence of the 'secular NDA allies', he said, "We don't categorise politicians. All the decisions of the NDA and the government are taken collectively and Advani's hawkish image is a creation of the Congress party."
"NDA, including Advani, will follow the common minimum programme of the alliance," he said. "So far, Advani has followed the programme, so why should we worry?"
Asked if Advani's appointment signals a change in direction of the government, he said that there is no change as the government is committed to follow the 'CMP of the NDA'.
When queried what could be the reason behind Advani's elevation, Srivastava said, "Well, I cannot speculate but I suppose the prime minister must be having an idea of using Advani's vast experience. Anyway, the prerogative of assigning portfolio and designation is the prime minister's prerogative and no one can question him on that."
Meanwhile, JD (U) national secretary Javed Raza said, "It (Advani's deputy prime ministership) is a good step and augured well for the country's future."
With inputs from agencies
Related Report: Congress slams Advani's appointment as DyPM
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