Advani had recently advocated better political ties between the two major parties saying that the Congress and BJP should treat each other as political adversaries and not “political enemies”.

“He has taken a step forward in this direction from his side,” a close aide of the BJP leader told Deccan Herald.

The meeting between the two at Gandhi’s residence 10, Janpath, lasted 20 minutes. 

Advani also met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who also received a copy of the book from the former.

The BJP’s prime ministerial candidate greeted Singh also on the occasion of Holi.

“The meetings were in connection with the memoirs of Advaniji,” the aide said, dismissing speculations that some of the key issues, including the Nuclear deal, were also deliberated during the meetings.  In one of his promotional interviews, Advani, had  this week regretted the lack of communication between himself, Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

However, Advani has always shared acrimonious relationship with the two leaders. This is for the first time in several years that Advani has met Gandhi at her residence.