Like Madandas Devi is the interface today between the BJP and the RSS, Bhaurao Deoras, brother of then RSS chief Balasaheb Deoras, was mediating between the newly formed party and its parent body. Just as Sushma Swaraj was considered for the party top post to counter Sonia Gandhi, the Rajmata was then considered for president to pit her against Indira Gandhi. But we were wary of allegations of feudalism. So, the core group dropped her name. Advani was not a big enough leader to be considered for the historic nomination. Vajpayee got the post because he was young. His experience as foreign minister also helped. Mainly, his image outside the party turned the table in his favour. The most special thing about the 1980 function was that eminent jurist M C Chagla attended the function. We had specially invited him to address the gathering. He made a stirring speech. He said, 'I see a miniature India gathered here.' He predicted that the BJP would one day gain power and Vajpayee would be India's prime minister.
