Strategically, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee offered to step down from his post if the step could facilitate formation of an alternative government. But the proposal was turned down by the BJP and its allies. ``It has to be either Vajpayee Government or the polls,'' was their chorus.

A meeting of the parliamentary parties of the BJP and its allies held this evening unanimously resolved ``to reimpose and reaffirm their faith in Vajpayee's leadership.'' The resolution was introduced by Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee and seconded by Home Minister L K Advani and BJP Rajya Sabha MP Arun Shourie. The BJP apparently wants to wait for the Opposition to exhaust its options before making a comeback bid. ``It will then be either BJP or elections and large number of MPs would then support it,'' party leaders feel. BJP leadersclaim they aren't trying to split parties to muster support. ``We are working to enlist support of entire parliamentary group of a political party,'' I&B Minister Pramod Mahajan said today. The party's task for the time being is cut out: To guard its flock and it has been successful in this mission so far.

In the evening meeting, Advani, supported by Defence Minister George Fernandes and Mahajan, made out a strong case for Vajpayee's third innings as the Prime Minister. Fernandes read out a letter he had written today to President K R Narayanan. ``There have been two instances in Italy in which Prime Ministers who had lost the vote of confidence were within days sworn in again,'' he said.

The BJP and its allies met twice during the course of the day to take stock of the fast-changing political developments. The first, which was held this morning at the Prime Minister's official residence, authorised Vajpayee ``to explore all possibilities to avoid mid-term polls.''

The second meeting was convened soonafter Samajwadi Party's refusal to support a Congress Government to reaffirm faith in Vajpayee's leadership while at the same time stepping up their pressure for his reinstallation as the Prime Minister.

Mahajan cited the example of Nepal where Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala was re-invited to form the Government in view of lack of a viable alternative after he lost the trust vote.

Narayanan, George claimed, had in a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker GMC Balyogi, asked for precedents when a Government defeated on floor of the House, had been reinstated.