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ShareNew Delhi: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has disclosed that the new BJP president will be someone from outside Delhi and the process has begun.
"Yes the new leadership will be someone other than these four (Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, Venkaiah Naidu and Ananth Kumar). This is what I have been told. That is what has been agreed on and I believe the process has begun," he told India Today.
The term of the present incumbent Rajnath Singh expires on December 31 and there are various names doing the rounds for the BJP presidentship.
When asked whether he will get someone from outside Delhi in the 50 to 55 year age group, Bhagwat said "they will get someone from outside Delhi".
To a question on the change in party leadership after its dismal performance in three assembly elections, he said change will take place "but at its own time. I only said what I have been told (by the BJP), they have a plan in mind and it is rolling on."
On the issue of Sangh 'intervening' and 'imposing' itself on BJP, the 59-year-old Sarsanghchalak said "the RSS never intervenes, only gives advice when asked."
Bhagwat disagreed with senior BJP leader LK Advani's contention that demolition of Babri mosque was a national shame.
"I don't agree with Advani on this issue," Bhagwat said, adding permission should have given to kar seva when so many of the activists had gathered at the site.
He was asked whether he agreed with Advani that the demolition of the mosque was a national shame.
Asked whether he would prefer someone with RSS ideology to lead the BJP, he said the issue of leadership will be decided by that party.
"What we want is someone who articulates our ideology, believes in teamwork, encourages the younger generation and the difference in 'a party with a difference' should be visible to all," Bhagwat said.
He appreciated the Narendra Modi government for "swiftly quelling violence" in Gujarat.
To a question on whether Modi should apologise for Gujarat riots, the RSS chief said "he is the head of a state. He has full knowledge of what happened and is capable of giving his reaction. If he thinks that something that needs an apology has taken place, then he will apologise. I am sure.
"I have also been told the speed with which the riots in Gujarat were controlled is commendable. Why should he apologise if he has done no wrong? That is not the way."
He said the Sangh was "worried" about RSS volunteers working in BJP getting affected by the personality cult. "Yes we are worried and we do talk to them about it," he said.
