``This may never come up for discussion as there is little time left after speeches by senior leaders, but there is a perceptible feeling in the party that BJP is being seen in poor light after succumbing to pressure from its alliance partners,'' says Rajiv Pratap Singh, a former MLA from Bihar.

Significantly, BJP national council members from southern states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh feel that there are other ways of accommodating alliance partners and that they should not act too haughty.``We are heading a coalition and our partners too must understand that their own reputation is also at stake. The JD got wiped out and the Left lost votes as well as respect after their antics in power last time,'' says T. N. Kuppuswamy from Tamil Nadu.

The mood may prove ominous for a party struggling to come to terms with serious power for the first time. ``We are unable to implement our own agenda. We have accommodated everyone's wishes in a national agenda, what more do people want?'' says an MP from Madhya Pradesh. He suggests that the prime minister should put his foot down sometimes.

On the other hand, there is the voice of moderation from within which, not surprisingly, comes from veteran leaders like Lakhiram Agarwal from Raigarh, ``I accept it is not easy to keep bowing to all sorts of demand but if we were to take a tough posture on every issue then the alliance will not work. And worse if it fails then we will be seen as novices who can't run a government.''

Film star Gautami, who campaigned for the party without much success, is however, articulate on the issue: ``It is an alliance and these troubles will always be there. It would be smarter if these got sorted out in party rooms instead of press rooms.''

While the clamour for self respect may be bothering some members, other have adapted to the situation faster than it takes to say Parivartan. The major ill of coteries that plagued the Congress is being welcomed with zest into the BJP. Some partymen have already guessed the shift in power base within the party.

New president Kushabhau Thakre's close associates in various states were being picked out and befriended by others who didn't know them from Adam. Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Sunderlal Patwa was much in demand.

All old acquaintances made a beeline to meet him as soon as he stepped into the lunch pandal. Patwa is believed to be the leader closest to Thakre and everyone just assumes that with or without any post he will play an important intermediary role.

MPs and party office bearers from south who may not have been in touch with him on a regular basis chose the occasion to do so. His rival group in MP seemed somewhat mellowed. Patwa on his part showed utmost humility.