The fact is that I was not consulted on the issue and my consent was not taken. In fact, he was cleared as a candidate in the recent Assembly elections by senior leaders, including Vajpayeeji and Advaniji, and the reason given was that his candidature will influence several constituencies. But he chose to withdraw from it. He is certainly interested in politics.

So you did not know that your son was to be appointed president?

That day late at night, he came and touched my feet. I thought he had come from some journey and asked him where he had been. Then I learnt about the appointment.

Did you tell him to resign?

No, I had trust in him to take the right decision. When he resigned, I asked the state president to accept the resignation immediately.

Moving on, what are you going to do with rebels in Gujarat? Are you talking to Keshubhai Patel?

We have been talking to them. Advaniji, Arun Jaitley and I discussed the issues with Keshubhai while he was here this week. I hope he will come around.

Did you tell him that Modi will be BJP leader?

Yes. Modi will lead the BJP in Gujarat. I don’t think there can be any change in that.

Will you talk to them again?

Where is the time now? Elections are so near.