In his first categorical statement on the leadership controversy in the Bharatiya Janata Party [ Images ], Deputy Prime Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani [ Images ] on Monday said Atal Bihari Vajpayee [ Images ] will be the party's prime ministerial candidate in the 2004 general election.

"We will get the people's mandate once again and Vajpayee would continue to rule India [ Images ] for years. This situation will
come," Advani said addressing the Indian community at a reception hosted by Ambassador Lalit Mansingh.

He expressed the hope that during Vajpayee's tenure, both Indians and people of Indian origin would get a place for the country in the comity of nations.