Wednesday, January 19 2005 15:40 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Asserting that the question of succession at the Kanchi Mutt was "completely an internal matter of the Mutt", the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) today (Jan 19, 2005) termed as "false and misleading" media reports suggesting that its chief had indicated the possibility of a successor being appointed to the institution.

"No discussion had taken place on the question of the successor to the Kanchi Mutt there (in Kalavai where the RSS chief met the Kanchi Shankaracharya) or at any other forum of the RSS.

Sangh's role is limited to extending support to the Mutt at this hour of crisis," RSS Spokesman Ram Madhav said in a statement in New Delhi.

He said that the question of succession or 'nitya puja' (daily prayers) etc were completely an internal matter of the Mutt and the Sangh had no role in it.

"We have high regard for the Mutt and full faith in the capability of the Acharyas to appropriately handle any situation that arises at this critical juncture and maintain the age old traditions of the Mutt," the statement said.

The spokesman recalled that Sudarshan had paid a visit to the Kanchi Seer on January 17 and conveyed the "solidarity and support of the RSS to the Mutt in its battle of honour and dignity".

"He also apprised the Acharya of the activities undertaken by the Sangh and other Parivar organisations in that direction. Since the Acharya was in 'mauna vrata' (silent meditation), there was not much of a possibility for discussing any other issue", the statement added.