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.
