I won’t run for PM again: Advani

VETERAN Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader LK Advani said today he did not want to run for prime minister again in elections due by 2014, a move that frees up younger candidates to challenge the government.Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh`s coalition has struggled to contain anger against high food prices and graft scandals since winning a second term in 2009. But the BJP-led opposition has often looked weak, plagued by infighting and lacking a credible leader.Lal Krishna Advani stepped out of the limelight after fighting a losing campaign against Dr Singh. But a planned nationwide tour against corruption sparked talk of a return to the frontline.His withdrawal paves the way for other BJP heavyweights to challenge the ruling Congress party.These include Narendra Modi, the chief minister of Gujarat, praised for fostering industrial growth and economic development.Other candidates could include Sushma Swaraj, opposition leader of the lower house."I am happier to be a part of the party. I do not want to become the prime minister," Advani told reporters.Advani`s campaign against Dr Singh was criticised for appearing at times shrill and out of touch and for not mobilising the party`s middle class base. On the stump, he famously branded Dr Singh as the country`s weakest ever prime minister, a criticism that sparked a backlash of support for Dr Singh.The BJP has sought to take advantage of widespread discontent against Dr Singh`s government, especially in urban areas, that has sparked massive protests and lifted social activists protesting against corruption to national prominence.Advani`s nationwide "yatra", or journey, was greeted with scepticism by his critics.Veteran political analyst Kuldip Nayar said Advani`s announcement had cleared up uncertainty about whether he would run."Advani has removed a misunderstanding, so that is a good thing," he said. "Now there is all the more reason that he would project Narendra Modi as a candidate."