Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday stepped up efforts to rescue the Bharatiya Janata Party from its current crisis, by possibly discussing a road map ahead, as he held hectic parleys with L K Advani and top leaders including Murli Manohar Joshi.
There were indications that the BJP could come out with some statement on Sunday but Sangh Parivar sources said nothing spectacular could be expected. After overnight discussions with BJP leaders close to Advani, Bhagwat today morning drove to the residence of Joshi, a known detractor of Advani. RSS chiefs are rarely known to have visited BJP leaders at their residences.
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 Delhi and met Bhagwat.
Amidst reports that Advani may be asked to step down and that various names are being considered for the post of his successor, 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 the Sangh's help was needed.
"All discussions taking place here are in respect to the condition of the party (BJP). RSS leaders are exchanging notes (with the BJP) whether there is any need for the Sangh to extend some support to them," RSS spokesman Ram Madhav told reporters here.
For the record, he insisted that no succession plan for BJP was being discussed. "RSS has no policy to give directions to vacate or occupy a post. There are no succession plans being planned in Jhandewalan (RSS office)", he said.
Sushma Swaraj, whose name is doing the rounds for the post of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, met Advani before and after his meeting with Bhagwat. The meetings came a day after RSS stepped in to resolve BJP's crisis.
