New Delhi, August 30: BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar on Sunday refuted media reports of an impending change in the party leadership, amidst hectic parleys between BJP and RSS leaders over a new roadmap for the party.
Javadekar said there will be “no change in leadership in Lok Sabha… LK Advani will continue as Leader of the Opposition.”
He however added that Rajnath Singh will not get another term as party president.
The remarks came even as RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat met Advani at the latter’s residence this morning, with senior RSS leader Madandas Devi reiterating BJP will take its own decisions regarding its future.
Javadekar also informed that Rajnath Singh had written a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in which he has asked him to stop worrying about the BJP and instead tackle drought and price rise.
Rajnath’s letter came in response to the PM’s statement made on Saturday in which he had said: “The situation in the BJP is not good… it is BJP’s internal matter but stability in political parties is most necessary in a democracy, otherwise, it will have an impact on the country.”
“Rather than worrying about the development in the BJP, we urge you to concentrate on the developmental work. The farmers of the country are suffering from the drought. Constitute a Task Force to tackle the drought situation. Take immediate steps to tackle price rise,” Javadekar quoted from Rajnath’s letter.
Earlier in the day, senior BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu too had termed as baseless the reports of a planned change in top leadership of the party, saying LK Advani will continue to remain the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha.
Naidu further said the party will take its own decisions regarding its future.
In the morning, senior RSS leader Madandas Devi had expressed hope that the BJP will come out stronger from the current crisis, while making it clear that the Sangh would not interfere in the party’s decision-making.
Devi made the remarks at a short press conference following the breakfast meeting with Advani, which was also attended by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.
“BJP has assured the Sangh that they will stand united and solve all problems,” Devi told reporters.
Devi said it was not unusual for political parties to face crisis, adding the BJP will resolve it and emerge stronger.
Devi also informed that RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had made it clear that the BJP will take its own decisions and decide its future for itself.
He however added that change will be witnessed in the BJP soon.
Reports said the RSS chief also held discussions with Advani on a new roadmap for the BJP, during the breakfast meeting.
Bhagwat had on Friday said that the RSS would “help and advise” only if BJP asks for it. He expressed confidence that the party will “emerge from the crisis”.
—-Agencies