New, Delhi, Jun 20: After the promotion of Narendra Modi catapulted the BJP into crisis, the party is trying to arrange the peaceful co-existence of its top leaders.LK Advani met today with Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the BJP's powerful ideological mentor, the Rashtryia Swayamsevak Sangh or RSS. Mr Advani reportedly emphasized the need for "collective leadership" for the National Democratic Alliance or NDA, the main opposition alliance which is led by the BJP.
When Mr Advani quit all party posts earlier this month after Mr Modi was made the BJP's campaign chief, it was an intervention by Mr Bhagwat that led to the 85-year-old rescinding his resignation.
At today's meeting, Mr Advani reportedly said that it was not Mr Modi's promotion that he objected to, but the manner in which it was handled. It was reportedly an RSS writ that led to the BJP formally announcing Mr Modi the chairman of its campaign committee at a conference in Goa which Mr Advani had skipped. An RSS leader had been quoted as saying that the promotion should be made "with or without Advani."
Though Mr Bhagwat agreed today that Mr Advani's concerns will be examined, the RSS has made it clear in recent weeks that the top billing for Mr Modi will not be toned down.
Mr Modi is seen by detractors as a leader who did not do enough to protect hundreds of Muslims in the riots that took place on his watch in 2002. The BJP's challenge in projecting him as its top leader was exposed this week with the ending of a 17-year alliance with the Janata Dal United or JD(U), fronted by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
The JD(U) said that by promoting Mr Modi, the BJP is signalling its intent to soon declare him its prime ministerial candidate.
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