Venkaiah Naidu is a former president of the BJP (2002 - 2004), currently the biggest opposition party in the Parliament of India. He resigned on October 18, 2004 after taking responsibility for his party's defeat in the election in Maharashtra. The post was taken up by L K Advani.

Naidu was installed as BJP president after Krishnamurthy quit in 2002.

On January 28, 2004, he was elected unopposed for a full 3 year term which was eventually cut short.

On January 29, 2005, his helicopter was set on fire by suspected Maoists during his campaign tour of Gaya, Bihar. At that time, he was addressing an election rally nearby and escaped unhurt.

External links

• Official website of the BJP
  • Search site for Venkaiah Naidu
• Google News search for Venkaiah Naidu
• "Venkaiah Naidu escapes bid on life" - newkerala article dated January 29, 2005
• "Naxals blow up Venkaiah Naidu's chopper" - expressindia.com article dated January 29, 2005