BJP, RSS, other Sangh outfits meet to discuss poll strategy

BJP, RSS, VHP and other Sangh outfits today held a meeting here to discuss coordination strategy in preparation for Lok Sabha polls, amid hectic efforts to evolve consensus on naming Narendra Modi as the Prime Ministerial candidate.
The two-day conclave began here today against the backdrop of RSS' remarks yesterday that it has conveyed its opinion to BJP on the Prime Ministerial candidate for the next elections.
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat had held a meeting with senior BJP leaders L K Advani and Sushma Swaraj- who are opposed to Modi being made PM candidate- to reach a consensus on his name.

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, being widely seen as the probable PM candidate, was present in the meeting today.
BJP sources said though the PM candidate issue is not on the agenda at the conclave, hectic efforts are on to arrive at a consensus on Modi's name.
His supporters claim a final decision may be taken before September 20.

BJP Parliamentary Board members, including L K Advani, Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, Murli Manohar Joshi, Rajnath Singh and others participated in the meeting.
RSS was represented by General Secretary Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi and Joint General Secretaries Suresh Soni and Dattatreya Hosbole while Praveen Togadia of VHP was also present.

The conclave is discussing the issues that need to be taken to the people from the block level upwards. It will also chalk out strategy for better coordination between Sangh organisations, they said.
The Sangh outfits plan to carry out programmes to reach out to all sections- minorities, SC, OBCs, tribals, women and the young- in tandem.
Among other issues, the VHP's recent yatra in UP which was not allowed by the state government and the incidents of communal riots causing polarisation of communities also came up for discussion.
Some announcements about the programmes are likely tomorrow.
BJP, RSS and the Sangh affiliate organisations are upbeat about the party's prospects in the next elections after two consecutive defeats in 2004 and 2009.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Goa CM Manohar Parrikar are likely to participate tomorrow. Modi is flying back tonight.