Tuesday, July 12 2005 18:58 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: After its private advice to BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) Chief L K Advani yesterday (July 11, 2005), the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) today (July 12, 2005) asked him and the party to remain firm on and follow ideology.

"In the last couple of days, senior functionaries met and conveyed the Sangh's views on remaining firm on ideology and maintaining restraint on oratory and public speeches. This has been conveyed to functionaries of our like-minded organisations," RSS Spokesman Ram Madhav told reporters in New Delhi.

"They (BJP) should follow the ideology", he said.

While the point on remaining firm on ideology is apparently aimed at Advani following his controversial remarks in Pakistan, the issue related to maintaining restraint on oratory and public speeches referred to the outbursts of VHP (Vishwa Hindu Parishad) leaders including Praveen Togadia and Acharya Giriraj Kishore.

Sangh sources, however, declined to confirm or deny whether Advani was asked to step down.

Asked whether RSS has asked Advani to step down, the sources said, "Whatever message had to be given has been given. Now it is for him to decide".

"The issue is ideology not leadership or individual," they said adding, "We are sailing together and cannot have separate ideology. We hope BJP will keep our concerns in mind".

To a question whether the BJP was indulging in secular posturing with an eye on the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, they said, "We cannot deviate from ideology even for the purpose of getting power".

The sources, however, said there was no "eyeball to eyeball confrontation" between the two parties.