VHP backs Sangh chief, echoes his statements

Pointing out that veteran Jana Sangh leader Nanaji Deshmukh had set an example by retiring from politics at 60 and devoting himself to ‘‘social service’’ thereafter, Kishore criticised the BJP leadership for not taking kindly to Sudarshan’s advice. The statement issued by RSS general secretary Mohan Bhagwat yesterday that Advani should continue as party president was not a ‘‘snub’’ against Sudarshan but the RSS’s way of telling the BJP to go its own way, Kishore maintained.

Although BJP leaders dismissed the VHP comments as of no consequence, the public squabbling between members of India’s largest Hindu Undivided Family is a matter of deep concern, sources in both RSS and BJP said.

BJP leaders are on tenterhooks that Atal Behari Vajpayee, who has so far remained silent, may hit out in his own inimitable style soon. Vajpayee, who is believed to be deeply hurt and angry at the RSS chief’s remarks against his foster son-in-law Ranjan Bhattacharya and his close friend Brajesh Mishra, has kept his views to himself so far.

But Brajesh Mishra’s angry reaction to the remarks today indicate that Vajpayee is in no mood to take Sudarshan’s personalised attack lying down. Vajpayee, party sources said, was like a volcano that could erupt without notice. Since he is making a rare public appearance in Pune on April 14 as chief guest at the 50th anniversary function of Geet Ramayana, Vajpayee could use the occasion to speak his mind, sources said.

But Brajesh Mishra’s criticism of the RSS chief could also have a reverse effect. So far, the BJP and important sections of the RSS have rallied behind Advani and Vajpayee in this moment of grave intra-Parivar crisis.

However, if the counter-attack on Sudarshan becomes too sharp, other affiliates of the Parivar could join the VHP in backing the RSS chief. Giriraj Kishore, for instance, not only shared Sudarshan’s views on the ‘‘age factor’’ but also on Ranjan Bhattacharya and Brajesh Mishra. He cryptically remarked that Bhattacharya belonged to the ‘‘American lobby’’ and had ‘‘links with Italy’’ and that Mishra’s links with the Congress were equally well known.

Breaking into English, Kishore also commended Sudarshan for ‘‘calling a spade a spade.’’

Meanwhile, buoyed by the RSS official statement in support of Advani and Vajpayee yesterday, BJP leaders claimed that for the first time it was the party—and not the Sangh—that had called the shots.

When the first excerpts of the Sudarshan’s interview was telecast on Sunday (April 10) afternoon, Advani—who was addressing a BJP Dalit Morcha meeting at Mumbai—wanted to immediately step down, sources said. Since the Sarsanghchalak in the ‘‘semi-military’’ RSS is the supreme leader and his word is law, Advani felt he had no other option, sources said.

Advani then spoke to Sudarshan who said he should wait to see the full interview. But the excerpts were devastating enough, Advani felt. Hectic consultations between BJP and RSS functionaries continued till late Sunday night, with the BJP insisting that the RSS issue a statement ‘‘explicitly’’ asking Advani to continue as party president.

Mohan Bhagwat complied next morning. The RSS endorsement helped the BJP put up a united stand against Sudarshan when the fresh excerpts from the interview—in which the RSS chief attacked Vajpayee’s prime ministership and his close aides in the PMO—were aired later on Monday.

However, BJP leaders admit that despite official claims that the ‘‘chapter is closed,’’ Sudardshan’s remarks have caused long-term damage to both the BJP and RSS. While there is ‘‘no chance’’ of either Advani or Sudarshan stepping down from their respective posts in the near future, the battles of ego and ideology will continue for long.