RSS chief says he has issued no 'directive' to Advani to quit

RSS chief Mohan Bhagawat today said he had not issued any "directive" to senior BJP leader L K Advani during their recent meeting to step down as Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.     

"I met Advaniji recently. We were discussing many things. But I have not issued any directive on that day," Bhagawat told reporters here in his first comments after Advani dismissed media reports that the RSS chief had asked him to nominate his successor in their one-to-one meeting.     

Maintaining that RSS had "nothing to do" with BJP, the RSS chief said, "BJP is a separate organisation and we don't direct or operate them at any level. It is a political party and it is also capable of taking its own decision."     

 

Advani had a luncheon meeting with Bhagawat recently, following which reports said the RSS chief had suggested to him to nominate his successor in the near future.

The BJP veteran had said discussion with Bhagwat centred around BJP's performance in the just-concluded budget session of Parliament and the current political situation. The party's Shimla brainstorming session did not figure in it.     

"On many issues they have identical views like us. But it does not mean that we have hands on them," Bhagawat said and declined to comment on queries on the goings-on in BJP.     

On BJP's poor showing in Lok Sabha polls, he said RSS need not necessarily assess BJP's performance as "it will make its own assessement. A jolt has temporarily destablised them. Slowly they are regaining their balance. Whatever it is, they have to take care of themselves."   

When asked about infighting in BJP, Bhagawat retorted, "You have to ask the question to BJP".     

In reply to a query, Bhagawat, who is here to attend a "Grand Reception" being accorded to him by "Citizens of Chennai" tomorrow, said RSS would help not only BJP "but any political party that comes and seeks our help. We are always ready to help them."     

On the Ram Temple issue, he said the land had to be acquired first and the court verdict should also be awaited. "The concerned leaders of Ram Seva Sangh would decide about it. Whatever decision they take RSS would support it."     

Asked about views expressed in a Chinese website calling for "balkanisation" of India, Bhagawat said, "We must take note of this and we should also be very cautious. Our unity is very strong and no one can break it. If some one attempts to do so, it would definitely fail."

On UPA's rule, he said "a strong approach" was required in the area of internal security. "On internal security much needs to be done. We have to tighten our security, especially in border areas of Pakistan and China."     

He also alleged the UPA government lacked transparency in many areas, especially on the economic front. "The Centre has to come forward and be transparent about the economic situation. They should tell people about country's economic progress and come out clearly on the unemployment situation." On the Sri Lankan Tamils issue, Bhagawat said there should not be any discrimination to the Tamils in the island nation. "All displaced Tamils have to rehabilitated. They should be given full relief materials."     

Asked to spell out the RSS stand on Delhi High Court verdict decriminalising homosexuality, he said the issue had to be studied in depth before taking any decision. "Since it is related to health and social traditions, persons concerned should sit together and take a right decision."     

On religious conversions, Bhagawat said, "if someone helps the poor people, it is unfair to seek some return favour from them."