Varanasi seat row: RSS worried but believes BJP will solve it

RSS today said it is worried about reported Varanasi seat row between BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi and senior leader Murali Manohar Joshi, but was confident that the party would solve it.

"We are worried and also not worried... We feel they (BJP) are experienced enough as we had seen on earlier occasions. They are capable. They will solve the problem," RSS General Secretary Suresh Bhaiyaji Joshi told reporters on the concluding day of the three-day meet of its top policy making body, Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha, here.

The reported controversy over who will contest from Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency had found its echo at BJP's Central Election Committee meeting yesterday, with heated discussions taking place on the issue.

Sources said some members sought clarity as to whether Joshi would be moved from Varanasi and Modi would contest from there. Among those who are believed to have been keen to make the point are Joshi himself as well as Sushma Swaraj.

Joshi said, "These things are decided by political party. If a person wants to express his views, there is nothing wrong in it."

Asked about the Sangh's stand on whether senior leaders like L K Advani should contest elections, he said RSS cannot direct the party (BJP), but can only give an indication.

However, young people should be given an opportunity to render service to the nation with their youthful energy. At the same time, it is beneficial to have the guidance of senior leaders, Joshi said.

On Aam Aadmi Party, he said RSS will go with any organisation or political party if it was capable of fighting corruption. "However time will prove who is right or wrong."
On giving minority tag to the Jain community, Joshi said anything which divides society was unacceptable to RSS.

"Jainism cannot be separated from Hinduism. Jainism is separated from Hinduism based on rituals and religious tenets but not culturally," he said.

On live-in relationship and homosexuality, Joshi said RSS is strongly opposed to these two concepts.

"This concept is not only against Indian civilization, but it is dangerous for the entire human race. Acceptance of this system will end the feeling of mutual trust among the society. Hence this anti-social system must not be accepted on any ground," he added.

Joshi also urged the government to consult religious leaders before making any such laws.

On Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama's view that he was "okay" with same sex relationships, Joshi said it is his personal opinion and everybody has the right to express his views.

"A talk is possible with the Dalai Lama. We don't have any difficulty in doing so. He has kept his views and everyone in this country has the right to put forth his views," he added.

To a query, Joshi said no resolutions were passed at the RSS meet here.
He said RSS is working on the issues of cattle conservation and family motivation with due concern.

"Family is the smallest constituent of society. Hence it must be ensured that children should get all types of "sanskars" in the family itself," he said.