This is a sample of the hardtalk in Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's address at the national executive on Sunday evening following which the party chief, Kushabhau Thakre, meekly gave in. For once, the gloves were off as Vajpayee, according to several leaders who were present, stunned the party by pushing it against a wall.

``He was so severe as well as convincing while speaking about his critics in the party and allied organisations that it left no room for arguments and counter-attacks,'' says one delegate known to be a Vajpayee supporter.

Dealing with the government's position on economic reforms, Vajpayee cited the national agenda. Didn't the party drop Article370 and the temple issue from the agenda to form the government, he asked. Similarly, it would have to say yes to economic reforms if it wanted the government to continue, sources quoted Vajpayee.

One reason for this, Vajpayee reportedly said, is that the government needs funds to initiate welfare measures for people. And because there aren't enough funds in the country, the government has to get the money from investors. ``People should not be under the impression that foreignersare waiting with shiploads of money at the Gateway of India. Any businessman invests because he wants to make a profit, what we need to do is to ensure that the country's interest isn't harmed,'' he reportedly said. Warning against public criticism of the government by party officials and Sangh affiliates, Vajpayee, sources said, made it clear that the government couldn't be run if its ``own people stage protests against it.''

Vajpayee reportedly admitted that some coalition partners were functioning as opposition parties andadded that the BJP and its allied organisations should not do the same. Otherwise, it will not be possible to run the government, Vajpayee is quoted to have said.

The Sangh affiliates have worked hard for 50 years for a BJP Government at the Centre, he is said to have told the party, adding that constituents of the Parivar should trust and respect each other. For, Hindutva is guided by ``the concept of a family and a family necessarily has to have a head who should not only be trusted but be allowed to have the last word on issues of governance.'' That Vajpayee minced few words showed his resentment at being reined in by the hardliners in the Sangh parivar. In fact, the tone of his speech was set on December 30 when he criticised the VHP in Bhubaneshwar for its statements on Mother Teresa and Amartya Sen. His announcement at Bangalore airport on the eve of the National Executive, allowing 100 per cent equity to foreign investors in upgradation of airports, was an intended salvo fired at pro-Swadeshiactivists with the party who were so far opposed to the government's stance on the IRA and Patents Bills. That's why, while the Swadeshi Jagaran Manch at its Patna rally on Sunday was protesting against the IRA & Patent (Amendment) Bills, BJP adopted an economic resolution endorsing the two.