Tuesday, April 26 2005 17:14 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The recent controversy sparked off by RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) chief K S Sudarshan's remarks on the leadership issue in BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) is understood to have figured prominently at a two-day meeting of top Sangh leaders which began in New Delhi today (Apr 26, 2005).

The meeting, presided over by RSS chief K S Sudarshan, is believed to have discussed the fallout of his controversial interview to a television channel and felt that "despite the media hype" it has not affected either of the organisations or their relations, Sangh sources said.

The core group meeting at the Delhi headquarters is being attended among others by RSS general secretary Mohan Bhagwat, joint general secretaries Suresh Soni and Madan Das Devi besides senior leaders like M G Vaidya and Suresh Ketkar.

No BJP or VHP (Vishwa Hindu Parishad) leaders are attending the deliberations described by Sangh spokesman Ram Madhav as a "scheduled routine meeting called to discuss organisational matters".

"Besides working out the details of the upcoming Officers' Training Course, the meeting would also discuss the centenary of second RSS chief late Guru Golwalker and the tour programmes of various leaders," he said.

Asked about the possibility of changes within the RSS, he said, "No such issues have been discussed."

Due to Devi's ill-health, Bhagwat and Soni are currently looking after the relations with the BJP.

Justifying former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's defence of Sangh Parivar in Parliament, Madhav said, "He spoke the reality. Everyone knows about Laloo Prasad's character and antics."

The meeting follows recent informal interactions between RSS and BJP leaders.