The Bharatiya Janata Party would want to forget Year 2004 in a hurry.

From being in the citadel of power to the power struggle within, the degeneration of the party with a difference has been rapid.

Smarting from its unexpected electoral defeat, the party felt that sidelining the Hindutva issue proved costly, and a leadership change ensued. Venkaiah Nadu was replaced with L K Advani as party president.

Meanwhile, the simmering infighting in the party, especially among the second-rung, spilt into the open.

Things came to a head at the party's conclave in New Delhi to which the media was invited. And in front of television cameras, the stormy Uma Bharti staged a walkout, demanding action against those trying to malign her.

On the way out, she also dared Advani to take action against her, which the party president promptly did. Uma was suspended from the BJP for indiscipline. However, after she apologised for her action through letters, the party has revoked her suspension.

Also read: The End - Advani's Yatra

Photograph: Ranjan Basu/Saab Press