New Delhi: Coming to the defence of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today (Dec 13, 20040 rejected the demand for his resignation voiced by BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) leader Smriti 'Tulsi' Irani yesterday (Dec 12, 2004).

"I don't think it is needed," Vajpayee told reporters in New Delhi when referred to Smriti's demand before she retracted on it.

Smriti demanded Modi's resignation while speaking to reporters in Surat and threatened to launch fast-unto-death if it was not acceded to by December 25, the birthday of Vajpayee.

She repeatedly took Vajpayee's name to launch her attack against Modi, saying, "It is high time that Gujarat and Vajpayee got their pride and glory back which they genuinely deserved."

Asked whether he would give any advice to Smriti in view of the development, Vajpayee evaded a direct reply and quipped "first I want to give advice to you".

Vajpayee had also earlier in June said that he had favoured Modi's removal after Gujarat riots.