New Delhi: Observing that NDA (National Democratic Alliance) had lost the last Lok Sabha elections in "confusion", former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today (Oct 27, 2004) sought to pump renewed hope in the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) cadres by telling them "darkness won't last long" because of "instability" created by the "differences-ridden" UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Government.

Addressing the BJP's National Council meeting in New Delhi, he questioned the UPA Government's decisions on security issues and said the nation was going through "difficult and testing times".

In about 30-minute speech after L K Advani was formally elected as new BJP President, Vajpayee showered praise on the former Deputy Prime Minister's leadership qualities and equated him to Sangh ideologues Deen Dayal Upadhyay and Dattopant Thengadi in terms of "marg darshan" (showing the path). He also appreciated the contribution of outgoing party President M Venkaiah Naidu.

The senior BJP leader said the party was beginning a "new chapter" under Advani who has taken the charge for the fifth time and emphasised that there was a need for the cadres to have "faith in the organisation and trust in each other."

"An atmosphere of instability has been created in the country. There is instability in the Central Government," Vajpayee said, adding his party was "seriously studying" the situation that has emerged after the Congress-led coalition assumed power.

Pointing out that he had headed a 24-party Government, the former Prime Minister said, "But it was stable and there was trust in it."

"That stability is now gone. Everyday report appear about differences," he said.