New Delhi, May 28: Dispelling generally perceived notions about differences in approach between Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and him, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani tonight described him as a "friend" with whom he had hardly differed on any major issue. Advani said his association with Vajpayee dated back to 1957 when the latter was "senior" to him and he was more of an "assistant".

"But over a period of time friendship developed because of many common interests, including books and cinema," he said in an interview.

Brushing aside reports of Vajpayee being a moderate and he being dubbed a hawk, Advani said "labelling comes easy to media".

Advani, who was interviewed in presence of his wife Kamla, quipped that he was deputy prime minister in the government but at home he was "deputy home minister" to his wife.

Kamla said while Advani had always been busy in work, she happily managed the home-front with no interference from him.

Advani said he even did not know his income tax details with Kamla pitching in to state that she took care of all financial affairs of the house.

Advani said after becoming deputy prime minister, his responsibility had increased along with people's aspirations and the number of visitors.

With elections round the corner, "I have to pay attention to party affairs also," he added.

Bureau Report