BJP, RSS fume over Advani's stand on MPs

LK Advani's stand in the Lok Sabha during the debate on the resolution to expel 10 MPs over the cash-for-question scam has come in for criticism from within the BJP and the RSS.

According to top leaders, Advani's speech in which he stated that the tainted members had committed a "stupidity" and were being meted out punishment not commensurate with the crime committed has angered many within the party.

"VK Malhotra's speech questioning the legality of the proceedings was built on a careful edifice; he never commented on the nature of the crime but on the issue of procedure, while Advani by implying that the crime was a stupidity had underestimated the public opinion on the issue," said a top leader.

"It negated his earlier stern anti-corruption stance," said the leader. "He is the same man who said corruption of one rupee was the same as corruption of a lakh," added another leader. This has led to speculation that his detractors within the party may now be gunning for Advani's Leader of Opposition post as well.

As far as the National Executive is concerned, the party general secretary denied that the matter was on the agenda of the meeting. "It is not on the agenda of the National Executive," said Pramod Mahajan.

Senior leaders, however, talk of how upset the RSS has been over the handling of the cash-for-question scam. "The TV images of (Rajya Sabha MP) Chattarpal Singh Lodha accepting money sitting in front of Guruji Golwalkar and Hedgewrji's portraits have been imprinted on people's minds; this was not a time to draw a fine line on the types of corruption," said an RSS-leaning BJP leader.

Another leader was upset that Advani denied that Rajnath Singh was the president-designate of the BJP. "The holy trinity (of Vajpayee, Advani and Jaswant Singh) has vetted him, and the holy ghost (RSS sarsanghchalak KS Sudershan) has blessed him. What more is required?" wondered the leader.

Advani is expected to resign at a press conference to be held on December 31 and it will be knives out after that as far as the other post occupied by him is concerned.