Monday, January 2 2006 13:21 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Taking over the mantle from L K Advani as the new Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President, Rajnath Singh today (Jan 2, 2006) categorically asserted there will be no compromise on corruption, misconduct and indiscipline, issues which have plagued the party in the recent past.

In tune with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) emphasis on collective leadership, he declared that the party's plans and programmes would be decided collectively and listed strengthening of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and maintaining the party's image among his priorities.

At a brief ceremony at the party headquarters amid bursting of crackers, recital of Shehnai and beating of drums by hundreds of party workers, the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister was garlanded and presented with a shawl by Advani, who resigned in Mumbai on Saturday following a spat with the RSS on the Jinnah issue.

Advani expressed confidence that the party would reach new heights under Singh's leadership and make it an 'effective instrument' for the country's progress.

Praising Advani for serving the party with honour even in adverse circumstances and successfully taking everyone along, Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee said the party chief's job was crown of thorns. Lauding Singh as a 'dynamic leader', he said the party will not flee from challenges.

"Our four priorities would be to keep the party's image intact, widen its base, strengthen NDA and aggressively oppose the anti-people policies of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government", 54-year-old Singh told his maiden press conference after taking charge in his new office, garlanding the bust of party founder Deendayal Upadhyaya and addressing party workers.

He said the party's new office bearers and executive would be announced in the next 8-10 days.