New Delhi: It is the Sangh Parivar's battle within on who should lead the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The RSS is keeping up its pressure for a leadership change, but Lal Krishna Advani has made it clear who the boss is, at least for the near future.
As NDTV reports, the cracks could widen at the party's 'Chintan Baithak' or introspection meeting next week.
Advani, for the second time in a week, made it clear that he will continue as Leader of Opposition for five years. The fresh media statement came after a meeting between RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Advani on Monday night.
Sources had told NDTV that the RSS is increasing pressure for a decision to be taken on the BJP's succession plan after L K Advani.
The statement on Thursday said Advani intends to complete the full five-year term as Leader of Opposition. The RSS faces its own dilemma, the worry that if Advani bows out suddenly, the second rung in the BJP will go to war.
"Usually when leaders meet, the current political situation is discussed and suggestions are given. That is what happened in the meeting with Advani," said Ram Madhav.
But the RSS pressure for change is there. Sources have told NDTV that they also want Vasundhara Raje Scindia replaced as Leader of Opposition in Rajasthan after the party's poor performance in the state. The RSS hand is also likely to be visible at the BJP's three-day introspection meet in Shimla.
In 2005, the RSS was impatient after the Jinnah controversy. Advani had to step down. But now things are different. Advani is the senior-most Swayamsevak in the entire RSS and BJP ranks.