New Delhi, June 07: BJP President M Venkaiah Naidu today refused to join issues with HRD minister Murli Manohar Joshi saying the leadership controversy is closed. "As far this (leadership) issue is concerned, the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and as party President I have clarified there is no issue, no controversy. I will maintain the party 'Parampara' (tradition) of not commenting on public statements of party leaders," he said in an informal chat with reporters here. Asked about Joshi's reported suggestion that Vajpayee should be described as "Shikhar Purush", Naidu, who returned to the capital from a party conclave in Guwahati, said, "Any suggestion made in the interests of the party are always welcome."
He also denied the controversy had dented the party's image. In a new twist to the leadership controversy in BJP, Joshi had yesterday said the party had not taken any decision to project Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as 'Vikas Purush' (man of development), limiting his appeal and it was only the personal view of Naidu. Bureau Report