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Contrary to the reports - also on Parinda.com - and
betraying the inner conflict and infighting in BJP,
the President of the party has yet to be declared.
The party Vice President Venkaiah Naidu has reiterated
that the RSS will have no role to play in the process
of election of the new BJP President.
Speaking to newsmen in Bangalore, he stated that party
President Lal Krishna Advani had already made it known
that he is going to step down after the Silver Jubilee
convention of the BJP. A decision about who should succeed
Advani will be taken at the Convention beginning from
Monday.
While not turning down the possibility of former Uttar
Pradesh Chief Minister Rajnath Singh becoming the next
BJP President, Naidu said that the party's National
Council will take a final decision on the issue.
'' Informally, at the party's highest level, a discussion
has taken place in which many names, including mine
has been considered to replace Advani. However no final
decision was taken on the issue'', he added.
Naidu said unlike in other parties BJP has no dearth
of capable leaders. He also denied any differences of
opinion or controversy existing over choice of successor
to Advani as reported in a section of the press.
Naidu said he had declined the offer to succeed Advani.
''The party was very much fair towards me in the past
and it provided ample opportunity to serve in various
capacities, including as party President and Union Minister.
About the Mumbai Convention, Naidu has said that due
to recent floods in the city it was decided to conduct
it in simple way and only party MLAs, MPs, State Office
bearers, National Executive members will attend the
meet. The National Executive Council meeting will be
preceded by National Council meeting.
It was also decided to pass political resolutions after
deliberation about the 25-years of party's evolution
and its experience and challenges faced and economic
resolution which deals about the performances of the
UPA government, the condition of farmers and prevalence
of unemployment.
The National Executive Council will also discuss preparations
for Assembly elections due next year in Assam, West
Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry and Kerala, besides
possible elections in Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh.
Replying to a question, Naidu clarified that Mr Advani
would continue as Opposition Leader in the Lok Sabha
despite stepping down as party President. ''Both Advani
and Vajpayee will continue to guide the party'' he added.
Agreeing that the party image was affected due to involvement
of six party MPs caught on camera accepting bribe for
asking question in Parliament, Naidu said the party
was however, strong enough to overcome such things with
its commitments to values in public life, he added.
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