New Delhi: In the midst of infighting within
the BJP, the RSS on Saturday said it was exchanging notes with the
party leaders to see whether there was any need for the Sangh
to extend support to it in its hour of crisis.
RSS national executive member Ram Madhav said his
organisation was not discussing any succession plan for BJP.
"All discussions taking place here are in respect to the
condition of the party (BJP). RSS leaders are exchanging notes
(with BJP) whether there is any need for Sangh to extend some
support to them," he told reporters here.
His remarks came as senior BJP leader L K Advani met RSS
chief Mohan Bhagwat here.
To a question on whether RSS has suggested a succession
plan to the BJP leaders, Madhav said "RSS has no policy to
give directions to vacate or occupy a post. Such news are
rumours. There are no succession plans being planned in
Jhandewalan (RSS office)".
Advani`s meeting with Bhagwat was in continuation with
other meetings BJP leaders had with the RSS chief.
The RSS functionary informed that Bhagwat had a luncheon
meeting with BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi earlier in the
day.
Bhagwat had yesterday said RSS would "help and advise"
only if BJP will ask for it. He expressed confidence that the
party will "emerge from the crisis".
Joshi, a former party president who is considered close
to Bhagwat and the RSS, had hinted soon after BJP`s drubbing
in the Lok Sabha polls that Advani should not become Leader of
the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
BJP leaders Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, M Venkaiah Naidu
and Ananth Kumar, who are considered close to Advani, held
over three-hour deliberations with the RSS chief last evening
to discuss the problems afflicting their party and the way
forward.
After their talks with Bhagwat, the leaders went to the
residence of Advani to apprise him of the talks.
Bureau Report
