Back to basics for big brother’s help

The meeting, lasting 90 minutes, was held at the residence of PM A.B. Vajpayee. The BJP was also represented by Dpm L.K. Advani, party chief M. Venkaiah Naidu and general secretary Sanjay Joshi. The RSS delegation comprised senior leader H.Y.Seshadri, general secretary Mohan Bhagwat and Bhaiji Joshi.

Keen on avoiding any controversy at this juncture, Naidu maintained that these issues would not be on the NDA agenda. Devi said: ‘‘Our cadre will campaign in their individual capacity. They would mobilise support for BJP.”

Both expressed the hope that the VHP would also back BJP. When asked for his response to the VHP’s criticism of ‘‘feelgood’’ factor in the absence of a grand Ram temple, Naidu said: ‘‘It is natural for VHP to feel so because it is their main agenda. The construction of a grand Ram temple is also on the party agenda. But, it is difficult to build temple as it is not on NDA agenda.’’ Negotiations were underway to resolve the issue.

Devi welcomed the PM’s efforts to improve relations with Pakistan. He also said a dialogue between Hindus and Muslims would facilitate communal harmony in the country.

While extending support to BJP, the RSS sought to reaffirm its position on other issues too. Consequently, Devi suggested that BJP also incorporate the Sangh views on swadeshi, labour, social and economic issues too in the Vision document. The RSS general council is scheduled to meet at Jaipur from March 12 to 14. Today’s deliberations would obviously have an impact on Sangh resolutions as well.