No intention of rejoining BJP : Govindacharya

Asked whether there was any such move,he told reporters,“Since 2003,I have never expressed any desire and intention of rejoining the BJP. I want to make it clear once again that I have no intention and desire of rejoining the BJP.” Govindacharya was critical of the current state of affairs in the BJP. “The Opposition should protect the goal-post but instead here it is scoring (self) goals,” he said.

Govindacharya stated that though he was in touch with the Sangh Parivar and several BJP leaders,he had not been approached by the party to join. “I am still a humble Swayamsewak (RSS worker),” he said.

He maintained that he was engaged in work which was much “beyond the pale of party politics”.

Govindacharya said both the ruling party and the opposition were on the same page in terms of policies.

“When I say Congress and BJP should join hands I mean it.

Their style of functioning,thought and conduct are the same,” he said,adding it included their views on class and caste.

On the issue of reservation for women,Govindacharya maintained that he concurred with JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav that there should be ‘reservation within reservation’.

“When we support reservation for women we will logically have to support quota within quota. I think the BJP stand on the issue is wrong,” he said.

Govindacharya insisted that since 2003 there has been “consistency and continuity” in whatever he has done.

When asked if his close associate and former Bharatiya Janshakti Party president Uma Bharti would re-join the BJP,Govindacharya said,“She has all the wisdom and competence to take her decisions and to protect her political interests.” On Baba Ramdev’s announcement of launching a political party,Govindacharya said,“It is too premature to give a favourable or unfavourable opinion on this issue. I believe we should wait and watch his move towards politics of power and party.”