Top BJP leaders review situation in Rajasthan

New Delhi, May 31 (UNI) Concerned over the escalating violence in Rajasthan, the top BJP leadership today reviewed the situation in the state and said the immediate priority of the state government was to restore ''peace and tranquility''.

The leaders, who met at the residence of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, however, said the issue of leadership change in Rajasthan, where 21 people were killed so far during violent demonstrations by Gujjars, was not discussed at the meeting.

''Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje is holding talks with the leaders of the agitating groups and we are confident that the state government will evolve a solution,'' BJP President Rajnath Singh told reporters here after the meeting.

To a question as to whom the BJP leadership will hold responsible for the agitation by the Gujjars seeking Scheduled Tribe status, Mr Singh said, ''our priority is to restore peace and order.'' The meeting, which was attended by Leaders of the Opposition in Parliament L K Advani and Jaswant Singh and BJP Organising General Secretary Ram Lal, was apprised of the latest situation in the state by the Chief Minister.

Asked about the fate of the National Executive Meeting scheduled to be held at Jaipur in the middle of July, Mr Singh said an announcement regarding this would be made tomorrow.

UNI