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Meanwhile, the strategy of the latter’s camp is pretty obvious. Advani will first try and survive the monsoon session of Parliament. His loyalists say the UPA government will be "put on the mat". Ever since losing power over a year ago, Advani has preferred boycotting the House instead of performing in it. Hopefully, this will change. For if there’s a time for heroics, this is it. If he pulls through, the Bihar elections will become the focus. The BJP president is clearly hoping for a miracle in the assembly polls (rumours abound that in the course of this session the UPA may extend President’s rule in Bihar by another six months and have polls there early next year along with elections in other states). Winning Bihar may be a long shot for the JD(U)-BJP, but for a man in Advani’s position, such straws are the only hope.

By Saba Naqvi Bhaumik