LK Advani's resignation over Narendra Modi elevation shocking: RSS

NAGPUR: RSS today described as shocking and unfortunate BJP patriarch L K Advani's resignation from all party posts over Narendra Modi's elevation as its campaign committee chief, noting all is not well in the saffron party.

M G Vaidya, a veteran leader of BJP's ideological fountainhead, while reacting to Advani's stunning decision, a day after the anointment of the Gujarat Chief Minister, said some resignations of his followers may follow.

He also said RSS would not directly intervene in the crisis in the party unless asked by it.

"It's shocking that leader of such a great stature has to quit. It is now evident that all is not well in the BJP. Advani was probably perturbed over the inner crisis in the BJP and therefore quit all positions," Vaidya, a former RSS spokesperson, told reporters here.

Noting that Advani resigned only after the declaration of Modi as campaign committee chairman, Vaidya said the common man will correlate them.

"Some other leaders and Advani's followers too may tender resignations," he added.

He also said that earlier leaders such as Kalyan Singh and Uma Bharti had quit the party, but Advani's case was different.

Another RSS leader Ram Madhav said Advani's resignation is unfortunate. "Hope the Party leaders would persuade him to take it back," he tweeted.