‘Both of them should step aside’

All (our) organisations have been told that new leaderships should be brought in—bring the 35-45-year-olds.

• Should the BJP also undergo a generational shift?

Yes, there should be a generational shift in the BJP too, and they have been told so.

• Atalji has been saying again and again that he’s tired and getting old…

Yes, so we have also been saying it, ‘‘step aside and bring the new people.’’ We are telling them—you be the senior leaders and watch the younger generation.

• So, it’s time for some people to retire in BJP?

It’s the calling of the age. It (generational shift) should happen. It has happened in the RSS also.

• So, when Atalji says ‘I’m tired, I should retire,’ do you agree?

Yes, I’ve been saying it all along, get new people and watch them. Keep an eye on them and see if the new leadership is able stand on its own feet.

• There are a lot of new leaders, and they are from RSS also, with flashy lifestyle. A pen worth Rs one lakh, a watch worth Rs 5 lakh, a car worth Rs 25 lakhs…

Such people should be brought to the fore. They should bring people who can convey the right values. It’s their job to find the right kind of people.

• So, it’s only about age… like Advaniji is not much younger than Atalji…

Both of them should step aside. And after stepping aside, they should watch the new leadership come up. They should keep an eye on them and see if the new leadership is coming up properly.

• Who do you see in BJP who can come up?

It’s their job to think about it. But we’ll say whoever they are, they should be able to work as an organisation.