Wednesday, July 13 2005 13:23 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Closing ranks with the RSS, BJP today (July 13, 2005) expressed disagreement with George Fernandes' criticism of RSS and charged him with crossing his jurisdiction as NDA Convenor.

"We are sad (with Fernandes' statement). We disagree with it. NDA is an alliance of political parties which have their own identity," party spokesperson Sushma Swaraj told reporters here.

Asserting that BJP was inspired by the ideals of RSS and was dedicated to it, she said, "Fernandes has gone beyond his jurisdiction and he should respect the feelings and sentiments of the party."

On the apprehension voiced by Fernandes on the RSS influence on BJP ideology, she maintained that "the party's ideology was no different today, than when it was in government or when the NDA was formed."

Fernandes had in a statement yesterday asked the RSS to confine itself to socio-political matters and not arrogate to itself a political role.

Sharply reacting, RSS told the JD(U) President to restrain from interfering in the internal matters of the Sangh and its fraternity.