RSS steps up efforts for peace in BJP

Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat today stepped up efforts to rescue the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from its current crisis by possibly discussing a future road map for the party with LK Advani and other top leaders, including Murli Manohar Joshi.

There were indications that the BJP could come out with a statement tomorrow but Sangh Parivar sources said nothing spectacular could be expected.

After overnight discussions with BJP leaders close to Advani, Bhagwat, in a significant move, drove to the residence of Joshi, a known detractor of Advani. RSS chiefs are rarely known to visit houses of BJP leaders.

Advani, who is under pressure from rebels on his continuance as Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, later drove to the RSS office in Jhandewalan in central New Delhi and was closetted with Bhagwat for 90 minutes.

Amid reports that Advani might be asked to step down and that various names were being considered for succeeding him as well as president for the party, both RSS and the BJP maintained that they were not discussing any succession plan.

RSS said Bhagwat and BJP leaders were discussing the state of affairs in the party and assessing whether Sangh's help was needed.