The leader also confirmed that party veteran L.K. Advani prevented Vajpayee from taking action against Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, whose government was then accused of having a hand in the riots that left over 1,100 people, mostly Muslims, dead.

Jaswant Singh said: 'We (Advani, Arun Shourie and Jaswant along with Vajpayee) were in the aircraft (on the way to Goa for a BJP meeting) as Vajpayeeji had asked us to discuss few things... He (Vajpayee) asked, Gujarat ka kya karna hai (What has to be done about Gujarat)?... There was silence for some time. He then said Gujarat ke bare mein sochna chahiye (We have to decide about Gujarat). Then Advaniji went towards the bathroom... Atalji said poochhiye fir kya karna hai (Ask him what has to be done)?

'I went and asked Advaniji. Advaniji just said one phrase bawaal khada ho jayega party mein (it will create commotion in the party).'

When questioned if this meant that Advani came in the way when Vajpayee sought action against Modi, Jaswant Singh said: 'I think that is correct.'

The Modi government in Gujarat has banned Jaswant Singh's book on Jinnah.