Gujarat riots contributed to BJP defeat

"It is very difficult to say what are all the reasons for the defeat (of BJP) in the elections... But one impact of the violence was we lost the elections," he told reporters on his arrival in Kullu for a week-long sojourn.

He was asked whether BJP lost the elections due to Gujarat riots.

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He said the sentiments of the people during the Gujarat riots were exploited by the opposition at that time.

"They (Opposition) tried to reap political benefits out of it. But I don't blame them. This is politics and such things happen here," he said.

Vajpayee said whatever had happened in Gujarat was unfortunate and had been condemned.

"I am confident that the people of the country have decided that such a blood-bath will not be allowed to take place anywhere in future,"

He said it was necessary to take steps to prevent such incidents from occurring again.

Asked why he did not become the leader of opposition, the former Prime Minister said it was good that LK Advani has taken up that responsibility.

"I was the leader earlier, now it is Advani. We share our work and responsibilities".

To a question whether he was ready to become the Prime Minister next time, he said, "I do not know what will happen then. Sonia Gandhi is not the Prime Minister, but she is the supremo of the Congress. But that has not in any way affected her work".

More than 2,000 people, mostly Muslims, died in the February 2002 riots, with human rights groups accusing the BJP-led Gujarat state government of turning a blind eye to the violence.

The unrest was triggered by the burning of a train compartment in which 59 Hindu activists and pilgrims were killed.

Vajpayee added: "We have all agreed, and I am sure the nation will also agree, that such an incident like the Gujarat riots should not be allowed to happen anywhere else."

Last month, Soli Sorabjee, who was legal adviser to Vajpayee's government, said the ex-premier was "anguished" over the Hindu-Muslim bloodshed but indecisive due to political compulsions from his right-wing base.

Vajpayee had been under pressure to dismiss Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi for his inaction over the rioting but the state leader was supported by hardliners within the BJP.