New Delhi:
LK Advani is in Nagpur today where he says he will discuss his rath yatra against corruption with BJP President Nitin Gadkari and Mohan Bhagwat, who heads the BJP's parent body, the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS).
There have been reports that the RSS has expressed its reservations about Mr Advani's nationwide tour, and has indicated that it would like the veteran politician to curb any Prime ministerial ambitions and focus on mentoring younger leaders.
Mr Advani denied these reports and said, "Those who know the functioning of the RSS and BJP will not ask questions like this."
Mr Advani announced his plans for a rath yatra- his sixth so far - a few weeks ago, surprising many within his own party. His critics saw it as an attempt to re-establish himself as the main face of the BJP ahead of the next general election, scheduled for 2014. Mr Advani said today that "there are no differences of opinion" among the BJP and the RSS over his plans.
Explaining the reasons for his visit to Nagpur, Mr Advani said he wanted to call on Mr Gadkari, who has recently undergone gastric bypass surgery. He said he also wanted to meet the RSS chief. "I felt it would be very appropriate ...I want to discuss everything that is in my mind including the yatra." About his tour, he said, "The details have been finalized. It will go through all major states and capitals, including those in the North East."
The BJP has been fighting reports that its chief minister in Gujarat, Narendra Modi, said that Mr Advani should not launch his touch in Gujarat. Mr Modi, who is also believed to nurture ambitions of being his party's candidate for Prime Minister, just completed a three-day fast in his state that he dedicated to the promotion of harmony. Mr Modi's fast, attended by thousands including senior party leaders like Mr Advani, was seen as his attempt to project himself as a leader capable of moving to the national stage. He also emphasized his commitment to secularism - seen as his attempt to combat the perception that he did not do enough to prevent the communal riots that ravaged Gujarat in 2002, killing 1200 people.