Tuesday, June 28 2005 13:05 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Nagpur: National Democratic Alliance (NDA) convenor George Fernandes today (Jun 28, 2005) held a closed door meeting with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief K S Sudarshan and its General Secretary Mohan Bhagwat at RSS headquarters in Mahal in old city area.

This is first direct talks between Fernandes and RSS leadership and its assumes significance in the wake of controversial remarks by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president L K Advani about Pakistan founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah during his Pakistan visit and subsequent severe criticism by RSS hardliners and Sangh Parivar outfits.

Fernandes, who is considered close to Advani, is probably on mission to Nagpur to bridge the differences between Advani and RSS and also to discuss the strategy for ensuing Bihar Assembly elections, RSS sources said.

Fernandes had recently expressed his concern over crisis in BJP, which is a key constituent of NDA after the resignation episode of Advani, sources added.

Close on the heels of Fernandes-Sudarshan meeting today, another close Advani confidant and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Sunderlal Patwa had a discussion with Sudershan in Nagpur yesterday (Jun 27, 2005).

Fernandes refused to talk to the waiting media men saying, "Why should I tell you what I am going to discuss with Sudarshan?"