New Delhi: Former Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani today (Oct 19, 2004) took over as the new Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president.

Advani, accompanied by his predecessor M Venkaiah Naidu, was accorded a grand reception at the party headquarters in New Delhi by hundreds of party workers.

They burst crackers and beat drums to welcome the new president.

Advani offered floral tributes at the statue of Jana Sangh founder Deendayal Upadhyay before taking charge from Naidu.

Advani's wife Kamla and daughter Pratibha were present on the occasion.