07-31-2007, 08:11 PM
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--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad.gif' /><!--endemo--> Rajnath admits to RSS running BJP
31 Jul 2007, 0029 hrs IST,Mohua Chatterjee,TNN
NEW DELHI: In a surprise admission that has embarrassed his patrons in the RSS, BJP chief Rajnath Singh said that the Sangh was influencing crucial appointments in the party.
In an interview to a weekly, Singh said that RSS had played a role in the ouster of Narendra Modi from the central parliamentary board as well as the removal of Arun Jaitley as chief spokesperson as part of the reshuffle he effected earlier this year.
Responding to a question about his controversial move against Modi and Jaitley, the BJP chief made light of the issue and said that he had taken the concurrence of the Sangh leadership. âThe media made too much of it. These were routine changes. Okay the RSS was consulted. In Modiâs case, it was 70% RSS and 30% my decision. In Jaitleyâs case, the responsibility was 50:50,â Singh said.
The statement undercuts the denials by both BJP and RSS about the latterâs involvement in the partyâs decision making. While organically linked, BJP has preferred to keep up the pretence of autonomy vis-a-vis Sangh, while Sangh itself professes disinterest in the affairs of the party.
The Sangh leadership was, naturally, not amused by the statement which can be a weapon in criticsâ hands. Approached by TOI, RSS leader Ram Madhav said, âHe has to clarify what he means by 70% and 30%. Decisions are taken by the party. You can consult anyone including the RSS, thatâs a normal practice, but on what basis do you say that the decisions were taken by the Sangh... of course there is a possibility that he (Singh) may have been misquoted.â
The controversial statement comes in the aftermath of the perception about RSS getting increasingly involved in the routine affairs of BJP under the current leadership. Singh took over the partyâs reins from L K Advani who was asked to step down by Sangh leadership because of his controversial remarks on Jinnah.
Advani had made his displeasure known by complaining about Sanghâs bid to micro-manage party affairs. While his protest did not evoke much support, the perception about Sanghâs interference has led to heartburn.
While no one has gone public, it is only because of the reverence for senior Sangh leaders. Murmurs agai-nst RSS functionaries who have been imposing their choi-ces have been on the rise.
Their role has been called into question also with regard to the recent UP polls. Party circles lament that while they have got the flak, Sangh functionaries who interfered at every stage have gone unscathed.
--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad.gif' /><!--endemo--> Rajnath admits to RSS running BJP31 Jul 2007, 0029 hrs IST,Mohua Chatterjee,TNN
NEW DELHI: In a surprise admission that has embarrassed his patrons in the RSS, BJP chief Rajnath Singh said that the Sangh was influencing crucial appointments in the party.
In an interview to a weekly, Singh said that RSS had played a role in the ouster of Narendra Modi from the central parliamentary board as well as the removal of Arun Jaitley as chief spokesperson as part of the reshuffle he effected earlier this year.
Responding to a question about his controversial move against Modi and Jaitley, the BJP chief made light of the issue and said that he had taken the concurrence of the Sangh leadership. âThe media made too much of it. These were routine changes. Okay the RSS was consulted. In Modiâs case, it was 70% RSS and 30% my decision. In Jaitleyâs case, the responsibility was 50:50,â Singh said.
The statement undercuts the denials by both BJP and RSS about the latterâs involvement in the partyâs decision making. While organically linked, BJP has preferred to keep up the pretence of autonomy vis-a-vis Sangh, while Sangh itself professes disinterest in the affairs of the party.
The Sangh leadership was, naturally, not amused by the statement which can be a weapon in criticsâ hands. Approached by TOI, RSS leader Ram Madhav said, âHe has to clarify what he means by 70% and 30%. Decisions are taken by the party. You can consult anyone including the RSS, thatâs a normal practice, but on what basis do you say that the decisions were taken by the Sangh... of course there is a possibility that he (Singh) may have been misquoted.â
The controversial statement comes in the aftermath of the perception about RSS getting increasingly involved in the routine affairs of BJP under the current leadership. Singh took over the partyâs reins from L K Advani who was asked to step down by Sangh leadership because of his controversial remarks on Jinnah.
Advani had made his displeasure known by complaining about Sanghâs bid to micro-manage party affairs. While his protest did not evoke much support, the perception about Sanghâs interference has led to heartburn.
While no one has gone public, it is only because of the reverence for senior Sangh leaders. Murmurs agai-nst RSS functionaries who have been imposing their choi-ces have been on the rise.
Their role has been called into question also with regard to the recent UP polls. Party circles lament that while they have got the flak, Sangh functionaries who interfered at every stage have gone unscathed.