“The position of the BJP on this vital question has been stated consistently and unambiguously in a series of statements over the last two years. Each of the statements has been fully deliberated upon and approved by the senior most leaders of the party under the guidance and in the presence of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. These are the statements that my colleagues, Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie were asked to release to the media. These statements embody the party’s considered view on every aspect of the deal. There is no change in that position,” he said.

“The 123 Agreement is the first step towards operationalizing the Hyde Act, and other US laws. Several of the requirements of those laws have been built into the 123 Agreement.” “These facts are indisputable — and just as unacceptable. They push the country not into a ‘strategic partnership’ with the USA but a ‘strategic subservience’ to the USA, which the BJP cannot accept,” he said.

After Advani made the statement to The Indian Express, there was a flurry of activity in the party. While leaders uncomfortable with the party’s strident positioning empathized with Advani’s attempts to make amends, a more influential section felt his public rejection of the position officially articulated by Sinha and Shourie did the party no good. For many, it was also an opportunity to settle scores in the simmering internal feud. After a meeting at Vajpayee’s residence on Wednesday, attended by Shourie and Sinha among others, Advani’s clarification was decided upon.

... contd.