Wednesday, March 30 2005 10:29 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Under attack from within ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over his style of functioning, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi yesterday (Mar 29, 2005) met former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee here even as he vowed to abide by any decision taken by the party on his continuance.

While Modi did not speak to waiting mediapersons after the 45-minute meeting, party sources indicated he apprised Vajpayee of his point of view on the dissidence issue.

Later, he told 'NDTV' that he would abide by the party's decision in whichever "form" it comes.

"I have always abided by the party decision in whichever form it came and in future too, it will be done. In my life, it will not happen that (accepting the party decision) will be delayed by even a moment," Modi said.

Asked whether he was under pressure from the party, the embattled Chief Minister said, "I am one person who does not need to be pressurised."

To a question whether he was prepared to step down if the majority wants it, he said, "Such a situation will never arise."

Asked whether he would quit in such an event or would continue to "blackmail" the party, Modi said, "I don't have to make such claims as my party has already expressed its views."

Modi's meeting with Vajpayee comes three days ahead of party president L K Advani's scheduled meeting with senior State unit leaders.

Modi, who was in New Delhi to attend the Inter State Council Standing Committee meeting, is also believed to have discussed the denial of visa to him by the United States and his decision not to visit the United Kingdom.

Modi sought to downplay reports of a rebellion against his leadership by former Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel saying, "People can have differences of opinion, but that does not mean that there is any rebellion. I am not going to say anything through the media. Keshubhaiji is a respected senior leader of our party."

On the charge that he was dictatorial, he said, "This is only a slanderous campaign. No human being is perfect, we all have our flaws and work to improve ourselves."

Modi said that he did speak to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh before taking the decision to cancel his visit to the United Kingdom last week.

"Yes, I did speak to the Prime Minister and he also told me of the security concerns that were voiced by the Home Minister. It was only after I spoke to the honourable Prime Minister that I decided not to go," he said.

He said that fear of arrest had nothing to do with his decision to go to the United Kingdom. "I have visited London after violence in Gujarat and nothing happened. Why should I be worried now? There is no case against me personally in the United Kingdom."

Asked whether he felt any remorse after the US action in denying him a visa, Modi said, "Why should I feel ashamed? I have done nothing to be ashamed of. If my Indian brothers had taken the decision I would have been affected, why should I feel affected by what the United States does?"