New Delhi: Top leaders of BJP and RSS met here on Monday to discuss the political situation, particularly in the wake of row over the new land bill and controversies surrounding the coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir.
Ways to strengthen the party's base in various states like poll-bound Bihar and analysis of debacle in Delhi assembly polls were also on the agenda of the meeting that took place at the residence of Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari.
The meeting was attended by BJP chief Amit Shah, party general secretaries Ram Lal and Ram Madhav, besides union ministers Rajnath Singh, Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley and Gadkari.
From the RSS side, the Sangh's second-in-command and general secretary Suresh Bhayyaji Joshi, besides joint general secretaries Krishan Gopal, the RSS pointsman with BJP and Suresh Soni were present.
While RSS leaders termed the meeting as "routine", sources said the meeting was convened to ensure better coordination between the government and the party and its ideological fountainhead RSS.
One of the main issues of discussion was the current political situation, particularly arising out of the new land bill over which the opposition has united and stepped up a campaign against the government.
The last such meeting was held in December at the same place, but this time RSS's second-in-command is also present.
BJP general secretary Ram Madhav termed the meeting as "routine" and said BJP and RSS leaders hold discussions on important issues from time to time.
He, however, said there was no discussion on the land bill at today's meeting.
"Such meetings to exchange views on important matters take place between Sangh and BJP from time to time. It was a routine meeting where routine matters were discussed. There is normal exchange of views that takes place during such meetings," Madhav told reporters after the meeting.
He said, "International Yoga Day celebrations are to be held across the world and a big programme is to be held in India and it was discussed. Some discussion also took place on the birth centenary celebrations of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya."
"Besides, this is the 125th birth anniversary year of Ambedkarji and we discussed some programmes to be organised. Some discussions on the government plans on Ganga also took place. Like this, discussions took place on 4-5 routine matters," he said.
Asked if the land bill was discussed, he said, "there was no discussion held on it".
To another question on fear among minorities in the wake of attacks on religious places of minorities, he said, "No one is in fear. All are safe in this country, including minorities. The Centre and state governments are responsible for safety of minorities and other members of society. Both will ensure the security and safety of all residents of the country," he said.
