Terming "baseless" reports of leadership change in BJP, senior party leader M Venkaiah Naidu today said L K Advani would continue to lead the party.
"I can assure you that all this speculation that has taken place in the media, about Advani is going to retire, Advani cornered, how can anyone corner Advani. Does anyone have the capacity?
"Advaniji is the leader. He will continue to lead the party. Organisational elections are due in the party. There is
an elected president. There is no vacancy. In due course of time, whatever needs to be done, it will be done," Naidu told reporters.
Asserting that there "is no proposal to change anybody", he said "we are surprised by these reports about succession plan, stepping down, appointment of new president, new leader, RSS dictation-- all these things... are totally baseless. They are speculative and imaginative".
Naidu, who is considered close to Advani, said he was not in the race for any post.
"There is no vacancy for the leadership positions now. There are procedures and the organisational election process is on. Personally, I am not after any post. I am not in any race," he said.
"Who will lead in 2014 elections, will be decided in due course of time. There is enough time. Please stop the speculation and focus on the burning issues of the people," he said.
Asserting that RSS does not interfere in the day-to- day functioning of the BJP, Naidu said it is a routine matter to meet the Sangh chief when he is in the national capital.
"RSS does not interfere in the party's daily functioning. Party would decide who should be the leader at an appropriate time," he said.
