BJP Future - 7

[Guest]

<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>Advani, Bhagwat discuss BJP succession plan</b>
pioneer.com
Kumar Uttam | New Delhi
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat called on senior BJP leader LK Advani here on Wednesday to discuss what sources say was the much-hyped “succession plan” for the party struggling to come to terms with the recent electoral defeats.

While the fine print of what transpired in the almost two-hour long one-on-one luncheon meeting between the two could not be known, sources close to these leaders admitted “specific matters” were taken up for discussion.

The “succession plan” would mean LK Advani and Rajnath Singh stepping down as LoP in the Lok Sabha and BJP president respectively. Those privy to developments taking place within the Parivar told The Pioneer that it was “almost certain” that Sushma Swaraj would be elevated as Leader of the Opposition in the LS after Advani steps down.

Media has speculated a lot on the timing of Advani’s stepping down but there has not been any official word from either the leader or his party. The RSS had earlier suggested that the timing has to be decided by Advani himself.

<b>Senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi was also reportedly interested in stepping into Advani’s shoes, but sources say the RSS has sounded out to him that he would instead be getting a “respectful position” in the NDA setup.</b>

<b>But “discussions” are still on within the BJP and the Sangh to choose among from a panel of “three or four leaders” who would take over from Rajnath Singh as party chief in January, when the incumbent’s term comes to an end</b>. <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->