The sulking BJP patriarch LK Advani has called on the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, which both the parties described as a "candid" talks on the recent developments in the wake of elevation of Narendra Modi as head of BJP's election campaign committee. This was the first meeting between the two after the Adavni quit all party posts on June 10 protesting the elevation of Modi and took place at the Sangh headquarters in the Capital. "Following the brief telephonic conversation that Advani had with Sarsanghachalak Mohan Bhagwat last week, there was an hour-long meeting today between the two at Keshavkunj, the RSS HQs in the Captial," RSS propaganda chief Manmohan Vaidya said in a statement. Describing the interaction as "detailed and candid", he said Advani conveyed his views on various developments in the country and the role of the party and the broad nationalist movement led by the Sangh.
The RSS leader said Advani suggested that there is a need for further discussion and exchange of notes at various levels between the party and the Sangh on several issues. "Same will take place at appropriate time. Bhagwat also suggested that such useful exchange of views should continue in future also," Vaidya said, pointing at a deeper role of the RSS in BJP affairs. Advani was scheduled to meet Bhagwat yesterday but the meeting was postponed as the BJP leader was indisposed.
Modi's elevation was done with the consent of the RSS and it has made it clear to the party that there will be no going back on the issue, sources said. Advani has reasoned that Modi's new appointment will scare away allies and weaken the NDA coalition. After JD-U walked out of the NDA over Modi's elevation, Advani's contention has got further strengthened. Modi had met Advani here on June 18 in a bid to mollify him. The 45-minute meeting between them was described as "good" with sources saying it ended on a "positive note". Ironically, Advani has taken his grievances related to party affairs to the RSS though he has always been known to be against the micro-management of the BJP by the Sangh founthead.
