Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has asked the state and national BJP leadership not to succumb to the pressure tactics of deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Gopinath Munde, but take strong action against him.
RSS has hinted that if Munde continues with his threat of joining the Congress, then he should be sacked. BJP president Nitin Gadkari has summoned Maharashtra party leaders, including state unit chief Sudhir Mungantiwar and leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly Eknath Khadse, to hold a meeting tonight.
A BJP leader and former minister during the Shiv Sena-BJP government, requesting anonymity, told Business Standard: “Munde is a mass leader and he is an asset for the party. But he cannot be above the party. Munde might be disappointed due with the appointment of the Pune city unit chief, but once the party takes a decision he should abide by it. What is also objectionable is Munde’s meetings with Congress veteran and Union minister Vilasarao Deshmukh, Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray and NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal, but refusing to meet the party leadership.”
The BJP leader confirmed that RSS is not happy with the developments and has asked the party leadership to settle the issue or take necessary action against Munde if he decided to stick to his stand. Munde was not available for comment.
The BJP leader said Munde should have expressed his disappointment with senior party leaders like LK Advani. “In 2008, Munde had a similar problem with the party leadership and had resigned from all posts. BJP senior leaders, including Advani, had to step in to convince Munde to stay on. However, this time the party should not bow down and stick to its decision.”