Can RSS repair cracks in BJP, asks Cong

Taking potshots at the BJP over the apparent rift on a larger role for Narendra Modi, the Congress on Saturday wondered whether RSS can provide any treatment for ‘Namonitis’, an obvious reference to senior leaders like L K Advani skipping the party meet in Goa on health grounds.

The party also warned that the protests outside Advani’s residence in support of Modi were clear indicators of the shape of things to come if the Gujarat chief minister was asked to spearhead the party at the national level.

“Today what is happening outside Advani’s residence should frighten all of us. If a man who is virtually the architect of that political party is now faced with that kind of rowdyism, then the nation stands warned that what is going to come to them. That terrifies us,” party spokesperson Renuka Chowdhary told reporters here.

As 85-year-old Advani chose to skip BJP’s National Executive meet in Goa, a group of Modi supporters staged a protest outside his 30-Prithviraj Road residence in Delhi for “opposing” greater role for the Gujarat chief minister.

Chowdhary said, “The country has seen the trailer. The full movie is yet to be seen. Senior most leaders are being treated in this manner. The nation remembers these things.”

Taking a dig at the BJP over absence of key leaders at the party’s Goa conclave where a larger role for Modi is expected to be decided, she said on Friday, “Namonitis virus is spreading in Goa.”

Modi is known as “Namo” among his supporters.

Party general secretary Digvijay Singh on Saturday tweeted, “Full marks to Renuka. BJP suffering from NAMONITIS!! Any one from the SANGH who can treat this disease?”
To a question whether the Congress also has apprehensions from Namonitis, Chowdhary remarked, “We are teflon coated.”

BJP leader Yaswhant Sinha said: “I don’t have ‘NaMonia’. I am in perfect health. But there could be other reasons for not going to Goa because of which I have not gone there.”