New Delhi: Apparently peeved at the mutual public criticism within the Sangh Parivar, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on July 26 utilised a condolence meeting for former Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Rajju Bhaiya to send out a message that differences should not be seen as disrespectful or straying away from the ideological path.

"What was special about Rajju Bhaiya was we could discuss divergent views with him on different subjects. A time comes when different views are expressed and discussions take place till a final decision is taken, but that never led to any bitterness," Vajpayee said addressing thousands of RSS activists at the Talkatora stadium.

"The differences were not seen as disrespectful or straying away from the path. We used to consult him and bare our hearts whenever we faced difficulties, but he never insisted that it would be proper only if we listen to his advice," he told the gathering, which included among others senior Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leaders Ashok Singhal, Acharya Giriraj Kishore and Praveen Togadia.

Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, former Premier Chandrashekhar and RSS top brass and Union Ministers were also present.

Addressing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National Executive on July 19, Vajpayee had taken strong exception to VHP's constant criticism of him and the government, saying "unnecessary blaming" vitiated the atmosphere.

He had also asserted, "We will continue to do what we feel is correct. We will not go back on it."

PTI