Atal steals RSS thunder, says I agree with Sudarshan

On the second-line leadership, he said, ‘‘It’s ready at any time to take over and it is necessary for them to take charge.’’

Having said this, Vajpayee made out a case of ‘‘not-applicable’’ for himself. With characteristic nonchalance, he said: ‘‘I don’t hold any post. I am not doing much work. Nowadays, I don’t have any work.’’ When asked about Sudarshan’s advice for Advani, he said: ‘‘About Advani, it is for him and the party to decide.’’

Vajpayee was evidently conscious of the fact that any critical remark from him would further complicate matters. So when asked about Sudarshan’s statement that Vajpayee did not do much on the Ayodhya issue, he said: ‘‘It is his opinion—everybody has the right to express their opinion.’’

BJP spokesman Vijay Kumar Malhotra maintained here today that Sudarshan’s remarks are a ‘‘closed chapter.’’