Sunday, September 18 2005 18:09 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Chennai: Apparently elated over securing L K Advani's commitment to step down, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) however, reacted cautiously today (Sept 18, 2005) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief's critical remarks against it, saying it would hold consultations with BJP in the near future on the issue of correcting popular perception on ties between the two organisations.

"We will have consultations in the near future to discuss this issue of correcting the perception of the people about the relationship between the BJP and the RSS", Sangh spokesman Ram Madhav told sources.

Asked about Advani's announcement to step down as party chief in December, he merely said "No comments".

Meanwhile, sources said senior party leaders had held discussions with the RSS top brass before Advani made the announcement formally at the National Executive here.

Though peeved over Advani's critical remarks over the Sangh's role, Parivar leaders expressed happiness in private that they were able to secure a commitment on his resignation and re-establish the moral authority of Sangh fountainhead.