The Hindu : 'My position formalised'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jun 30, 2002

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'My position formalised'

Ms. Shiela, sister of L K Advani, offering sweets to him on Saturday soon after he was made the Deputy Prime Minister. - Photo: V. Sudershan.

NEW DELHI JUNE 29. The newly-appointed Deputy Prime Minister, L.K. Advani, today said his new assignment only formalised the role and responsibilities he was already handling in the Government. ``Earlier, too, when the Prime Minister was not available people and Cabinet colleagues used to approach me,'' he told UNI. The present appointment would not change his job profile.

``I have been doing similar kind of work before but now the responsibility and accountability is a lot more. In the eyes of the public and my Cabinet colleagues, however, my responsibilities have increased.''

He said he was grateful to the Prime Minister and NDA allies for having bestowed on him the new responsibility.

Mr. Advani said the Prime Minister had discussed with him the issue of Deputy Prime Ministership on Thursday. ``But when my colleague George Fernandes talked and took suggestions from other members of NDA and when it was brought to my notice, I got the impression that some steps are being taken.'' ``The trust reposed in me by the Prime Minister and partners of the NDA has increased my determination and I only pray to the Almighty that I am able to discharge my responsibilities as per expectations.''

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