Rajnath Singh is going into the Lucknow contest armed with an angavastram, which the BJP said was Atal Bihari Vajpayee's blessing.

The BJP president, who has been trying to project himself in the mould of Vajpayee, is expected to call on the former Prime Minister tomorrow before filing his nomination on Saturday for the Lucknow seat.

"Atal Bihari Vajpayee's blessings are crucial for anyone willing to contest from the BJP. I had obtained a letter from him in 2009. Vajpayee has shown a generous gesture by offering his angavastram to Rajnathji. He will come out with flying colours,' said Lalji Tandon, the sitting BJP MP.

Vajpayee, who is ailing and has not been seen in public for years, represented Lucknow in Parliament and last won the seat in 2004.
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