Statement by Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, former President, BJP

There have been some reports that the RSS has chosen the next President for the BJP. The reports had also suggested that the RSS has objected to the names of some leaders of the BJP from being considered for the office of the President. Since my name, along with the names of few of my colleagues, has figured prominently in several such reports I owe it to the public at large, to state the true position as I know it. 

The BJP and the RSS do share ideological bond. But structurally and functionally we are independent and autonomous. The same has been repeatedly emphasised at the highest level by the RSS as well as the BJP. Even yesterday there was a categorical policy statement from Nagpur. We discuss matters of mutual and national interest. But unless asked for, the RSS never proffers any advice to the BJP. Different names are being discussed in the BJP for the Presidentship of the Party. No name was suggested or rejected by the RSS and no name has been finalised by the Party sofar. The process of consultation is on and there will be unanimous choice of the next President at an appropriate time. In this connection, I would like to state that I have already conveyed to my colleagues that I am neither in the race nor interested to become President once again as I had been the Party President once. The Party has given me that opportunity at the age of 52 years.

Similarly media reports have speculated that the RSS also desires that the Leader of the Opposition resign and has set a dead line for the same, which is factually incorrect.  These are mere speculations by the media including the one that the RSS has assumed charge of the BJP! These reports have adversely affected the party.

Shri Advaniji has been elected as the Leader of the Party for the 15th Lok Sabha in spite of his reluctance. He told us that he does not want to continue till the tenure of 15th Lok Sabha and would like to hand over the responsibility to some other colleague. The Party is keen to have his leadership and guidance and will go by his choice about the time and the person.

Based on such premises adverse and judgemental views about the RSS and about even the Sarsanghachalak of the RSS have appeared in the media, which is clearly avoidable and unfortunate. The RSS is the inspiration for many of us in public life. If we are not in politics, we would be perhaps involved in social work inspired by the RSS. The Sarsanghachalak represents those for whom devotion to motherland is life mission and therefore he is to us is an institution of respect and reverence. The speculative reports based on doubtful sources and so contrary to the truth, have tended to undermine the honourable nature of the relation between the two organisations in the public eye. I would like to place before the public these facts to dispel all incorrect perceptions that may have been created by such reports.

(Shyam Jaju)

Headquarter Incharge