Tuesday, January 4 2005 21:42 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Babulal Gaur and firebrand BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) leader Uma Bharti today (Jan 4, 2005) met party president L K Advani after which Gaur apologised for having made critical remarks against his predecessor.

Seeking to project unity after weeks of recrimination, Gaur and Bharti resolved to work together for betterment of the State.

"I express regret for having made harsh remarks against her," Gaur told reporters after the 30-minute meeting the duo had with Advani.

He described Bharti as his "didi" (sister) and said they have decided to work together.

Bharti described the apology by Gaur as his "greatness and speciality" and said all differences had ended with it.

Bharti, who came to Advani's residence along with RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) ideologue S Gurumurthy, said she had told the BJP president that she had no "grudge" against Gaur.

She said Gaur was elder to her by 30 years and was a father-figure and a respected person.

Asked whether she would like Gaur to continue as Chief Minister, Bharti said she had herself made the proposal for appointing him to the post.

"How can I withdraw it now," she asked.

To a question about the future of their relationship, the former Chief Minister quipped "aage aage dekhiye hota hai kya" (see what happens in the future).

Asked about the removal of her close confidante Sunil Naik from Gaur's council of Ministers, Bharti evaded a direct reply saying she did not know the details as she was away in Ayodhya.

Prior to the meeting, Bharti held discussions with former BJP president M Venkaiah Naidu at his residence for about 30 minutes. Party general secretary Arun Jaitley was also present during it.