Vajpayee in Pune today, Parivar leaders wait with bated breath

BJP and RSS leaders here are tightlipped about Vajpayee’s visit but are worried that the situation may worsen if the former PM makes even a casual reference to the issue. They admitted in private that Sudarshan’s remarks had left the Parivar shocked. ‘‘The sarsanghchalak’s will is taken as a directive. How do we react now?’’ said a prominent BJP leader. Another said Sudarshan should have shown some restraint as both Vajpayee and Advani have spent more years in the Parivar’s service than the RSS chief.

BJP sources said that Vajpayee, immediately after his arrival at 4.30 pm, would head for the Old Circuit House. The former PM, who is not willing to meet anyone during his short stay in the city, would leave for the Geet Ramayan function at 6.15 pm. He will then leave for Delhi at 8.30 pm.

BJP leaders were planning to organise some meetings at the Old Circuit House, but this was not yet confirmed by Vajpayee’s office till late this evening.