M A I N   N E W S

Snub to Bhagwat; Advani emerges stronger
Faraz Ahmad and Pratibha Chauhan
Tribune News Service

Shimla, August 21
After three days of deliberations here in Shimla L.K. Advani’s position as the undisputed and unchallenged leader of the BJP was firmly established with party president Rajnath Singh and BJP Deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj separately reiterating that there is no question of Advani retiring in the near future or not completing his five-year tenure as Leader of Opposition in Parliament.

In effect BJP’s Chintan Baithak has virtually snubbed RSS chief Mohanrao Bhagwat who, a day before this meet had favoured Advani’s early retirement and a generational change in the BJP. Bhgawat had raised several important issues in an interview to a TV news channel, including need for generational change; and an end to infighting among BJP leaders at the Central and state level and proper projection of Hindutva.

The Baithak touched lightly on infighting, though Advani did mention the damage to BJP’s image, but dismissed it as an outsider’s perception. Quoting Advani, Sushma said, “He said there is no reason for us to despair. Our numbers are not so poor. We are ruling in eight states. 

We have 116 seats in the Lok Sabha. But the image of infighting among our leaders demoralises our workers. We should go out from here with the determination that we will sit and resolve all issues through mutual dialogue and discussion.”In essence he dismissed the infighting lightly saying, “The fact that we can sit and discuss frankly and comfortably all important issues, that itself is a good augury.”The only issue of concern to Bhagwat, that Rajnath managed to push was Hindutva, repackaged and perhaps with a new label. 

In a separate press meet, Rajnath said, “I say categorically there is no question of any dilution of our ideology and our political thought. Our ideology is non-negotiable.”Elaborating he said, “You call it by the name of cultural nationalism or integral humanism. We draw our inspiration from our glorious past. There is no scope of discrimination against anyone. 

It is inclusive in nature. We felt the need to formulate it well and present it in a more simple and acceptable form to the people.For the rest the Baithak proceeded on the road plan earmarked by Advani in his last press conference on August 7. The party has already prepared a “Road Ahead” plan and Rajnath elaborated on this saying, “We have taken note of some valuable suggestions made by the members. 

I will shortly hold a meeting of general secretaries and other prominent leaders and after considering some of the main suggestions will prepare a draft for the Action Plan for future. We will call it Road Ahead. This Road Ahead will be presented before the national executive for approval when it meets next in September or October next.