Washington: In his first ever categorical statement on the leadership controversy within Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani has asserted that Atal Behari Vajpayee would continue to be the Prime Minister even after the next general elections.

"We will get the people's mandate once again and Vajpayee would continue to rule India for years. This situation will come," Advani said addressing the Indian community at a reception hosted by Ambassador Lalit Mansingh on June 8.

He expressed hope that during Vajpayee's tenure, both Indians and people of Indian origin would get a place for the country in the comity of nations according to its potential.

Two days after Vajpayee made a surprise announcement that Advani would lead BJP to victory triggering a controversy, Advani on June 6 had dismissed it as "absolutely nothing".

PTI