Ranchi: Hinting at the possibility of suspended leader Uma Bharti's return to the party-fold, BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) President L K Advani today (Nov 26, 2004) said she had expressed "desire" to have discussions with him which will take place when she returns from "leave".

"Uma is currently on leave. When she returns, there will definitely be talks (with her)," Advani told reporters at the conclusion of the party's three-day National Executive meeting in Ranchi.

Bharti had "written letters to me which I have read. Her letters indicate her desire to discuss matters with me. She also met me before leaving (for Himalayas on 'leave')," he said.

When referred to Bharti's letter where she had sought an apology from the party for taking action against her, Advani said during the three days of deliberations no member raised the issue.

The BJP President, however, asserted that the party was committed to maintaining discipline.

Bharti was suspended on November 10 after her outburst against party colleagues in full media glare at the BJP's Central office bearers meeting in Delhi. She had challenged Advani to take disciplinary action against her.

A day later, she wrote a letter to Advani and went to meet him and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee before leaving for Himalayas for pilgrimage.

The firebrand 'sanyasin' also wrote a letter to Advani from the Himalayas, saying she was ready to apologise provided the party also did the same.