BJP meets and dines its ideological parent, the RSS to work out playing the same tune

The Hindu, July 24, 2014

BJP-RSS leaders meet
Special Correspondent

To ensure that the BJP and its ideological parent, the RSS, are on the same page over contentious issues and function together like a well-oiled machine, senior leaders of both the party and the Sangh met on Thursday. This meeting is being followed up with a dinner being hosted by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi at his residence for the Sangh brass.

On Thursday morning party president Amit Shah along with Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Rajnath Singh met Sangh leaders at Mr. Gadkari’s residence. The RSS was represented by Bhaiya Joshi, Suresh Soni and Krishna Gopal.

Sources said the leaders discussed the appointment of a new team for Mr. Shah, the strategy for the upcoming State Assembly elections, appointment of new Governors and officials to head various socio-cultural bodies and how to enhance coordination between the party, the Sangh and the government.

“The BJP’s national council meeting has been tentatively scheduled for August 9, where Amit Shah’s appointment as party president will be ratified. Thursday’s meeting also discussed this issue and the timeline for the announcement of a new team for the president. Also, the leaders of both the Sangh and the BJP are of the view that there should not be any discordant notes on issues like FDI. Both the Sangh and the BJP should speak the same language, so that it does not become difficult for the government,” a source said.

As for the dinner being hosted by Mr. Modi, sources said it is a “courtesy” feast for the Sangh leaders who played a pivotal role in helping the party win the Lok Sabha polls. Sources also indicated that the interaction is an indication of the growing ties between the RSS and the BJP. The Prime Minister has been stressing on better ties between the organisation and the government and has also hinted at coordination between the Sangh and the party.