Advani down, BJP buries RSS debate

Besides, party leaders are yet to endorse Advani’s suggestion that the BJP and RSS ‘‘must consciously exert to dispel’’ the impression that ‘‘no political or organisational decision can be taken without the consent of RSS functionaries.’’

Asked if the BJP endorsed this view, party spokesperson Sushma Swaraj said: ‘‘That is the concluding statement of the party president and no discussion takes place on it. There is no tradition of the party giving any statement on its president’s concluding remarks.’’

Responding to queries on BJP relations with RSS, she said, ‘‘These have been good, that is why they have been continuing for so long.’’

On chances of any talks to sort out BJP-RSS ties, she said Sangh spokesman Ram Madhav had stated that they had taken note of Advani’s suggestion and would take up the issue at an appropriate level. ‘‘Therefore, whenever it happens, it would happen,’’ she said.

Unlike the Jinnah controversy, when the BJP’s second-rung leadership virtually queued up at Advani’s house and pleaded with him to re-consider his resignation, there is a stunning silence this time.

Obviously, they know that Advani’s exit announcement is in accordance with the RSS script. That the party has virtually fallen in line with the RSS is also clear from the manner in which leaders have taken Advani’s announcement in their stride. Asked if there would be any appeal from the party to Advani to reconsider his announcement, Swaraj said: ‘‘Where is the scope? He has already closed that option.’’

Now, as the focus in BJP shifts to succession, it is former prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, who has been left stronger thanks to the eroding clout of Advani.

There is also marked jubilation in the Murli Manohar Joshi camp. The reason is two-fold: hope of becoming party president and the downslide of main rival Advani. Besides the RSS, Joshi is also a favourite of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad for the post.