Naidu terms BJP's leadership change as 'baseless'

New Delhi, Aug 30 (ANI): Terming the reports of leadership change in the BJP as 'baseless', party senior leader Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday said L K Advani will continue to remain the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha.

"The BJP will take its own decisions," Naidu said.

Naidu's statement came after senior Rashtriya Swayam Sewak (RSS) leader Madan Das Devi said he was confident about the BJP taking appropriate steps to resolve all of its problems, including the issue of the party succession plan.

Addressing a press conference in the capital this morning after between RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and LK Advani, Devi said: "We (RSS) are hopeful that the crisis in the BJP will be resolved. The RSS is assured that the BJP will overcome all problems."

"We all think that a large party such as the BJP has the capability of being given new direction and end its problems. Important BJP leaders met leaders of the RSS. Shri L.K.Advani and other senior BJP leaders met us. We discussed issues of national importance, party issues etc. They have assured us that the problems of the party will be resolved," he added.

Efforts to resolve the growing crisis within the BJP continued on Sunday, with Bhagwat travelling to Advani's residence here to hold a breakfast meeting.

Bhagwat, who was accompanied by senior RSS leader Madandas Devi, is expected to continue discussions on a new roadmap for the BJP, including a possible change of leadership.

Sources said the BJP would most likely announce a succession plan on Sunday. It is indicated that individual responsibilities in the party would be finalised in the coming weeks.

On Saturday, Bhagwat stepped up efforts to mediate an end to the BJP crisis. He held hectic parleys with L K Advani and top leaders including Murli Manohar Joshi.

There were indications that BJP could come out with some statement tomorrow but Sangh Parivar sources said nothing spectacular could be expected.

Advani is reportedly under pressure from rebels to step down as Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha.

Various names are under consideration, including Arun Jaitely, Sushma Swaraj and Bal Apte. However, both the RSS and the BJP have maintained that they were not discussing any succession plan. (ANI)