RSS endorses Narendra Modi's strong leadership

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Friday endorsed BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi as a strong leader who had delivered in Gujarat.

"He (Modi) is a strong leader who has delivered in Gujarat. We are proud of him as our karyakarta (worker)," RSS joint general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale told reporters at the Sangh's annual convention, which began here earlier in the day.

Modi is also the chief minister of Gujarat.

Observing that the country was looking forward for a change and a government that ensured good governance, Hosabale said the Sangh would give the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) suggestions on economic policies, development models and measures to tackle price rise and check high inflation.

"We are deliberating on various national issues, including economic policy, national security, education, healthcare and empowerment. Resolutions will be passed Sunday and shared with our associates, including the BJP leadership," Hosabale said.

On the Aam Aadmi Party's prospects in the forthcoming general elections, the RSS functionary said as people have seen its governance in Delhi recently, they would vote wisely to elect the best party to form the next government.

Earlier, RSS Sarasanghachalak Mohan Bhagwat inaugurated the three-day meeting of the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) at a sprawling venue in the city.

"Sarakaryavah Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi will preside over the proceedings and move the resolutions during the meeting, which is being attended by our top functionaries and about 1,400 representatives from across the country," Hosabale said.

The Sangh has decided not to discuss construction of a Ram Mandir (temple) at Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh at the convention.

"Discussions are centered on expansion of our socio-cultural activities across the country, especially in the northeast region where there is a need to bridge the psychological gap and foster cultural unity," Hosabale added.