Thursday, May 19 2005 08:05 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Udupi (Karnataka): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Uma Bharti yesterday (May 18, 2005) said party president L K Advani was like a "father figure" to her.

Asked about the meeting she had with Advani in New Delhi on Monday (May 16, 2005), she told reporters in Udupi that she held discussions with him as a "daughter (would) with her father".

Queried if Advani had offered her any party post during the discussions, she replied, "you better ask him (Advani) directly".

Questioned if she demanded any post, she shot back, "I would rather prefer death than ask for any post."

Uma said she was in Udupi to take part in the 75th birthday celebrations of her spiritual mentor Sri Vishweshathirtha Swamiji of Pejawar Mutt in Udupi.

Later, she also visited the famous Sri Krishna temple and offered special prayers to Lord Krishna.