Thursday, April 7 2005 15:52 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Former BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) President M Venkaiah Naidu was today (Apr 7, 2005) appointed Vice President of the party.

This was announced by party General Secretary Arun Jaitley, a day after the conclusion of the National Council session marking the silver jubilee celebrations.

"Party President L K Advani had requested Naidu to take up the post despite the latter's stand that he would work for the party without any post. However, on Advani's persuasion Naidu accepted the post," he told reporters.

He declined to a question on one post of General Secretary remaining vacant and whether former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Uma Bharti would be accommodated there.

53-year-old Naidu had stepped down as BJP President after two years in office in the wake of the Lok Sabha debacle citing his wife's ill health to make way for Advani taking over as party chief.