RSS steps in to resolve rift in BJP; Advani says no problems

New Delhi, Mar 16 (PTI) With differences persisting
between Bharatiya Janata Party general secretary Arun Jaitley
and party chief Rajnath Singh, Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh
(RSS), a Hindu nationalist organisation, has intervened to
resolve the issue even as senior BJP leader L K Advani
insisted there was no rift in the party.

"This issue may make a good story for you but there are
no differences within the party," Advani told reporters here
on the sidelines of a book release function.

He was replying when asked whether the differences
between Singh and Jaitley over the appointment of businessman
Sudhanshu Mittal as BJP's co-convenor of North East region had
been resolved.

Jaitley had shown his displeasure at Mittal's appointment
by keeping away from the Central Election Committee meeting of
the BJP on March 13.

Sources close to Jaitley have said that he was unlikely
to attend the next CEC meeting to be held on March 17 if
Mittal is not removed.

Singh, on the other hand, has ruled out Mittal's removal.

In view of the stalemate, RSS has stepped in to resolve
the differences, which have erupted just ahead of Lok Sabha
polls, causing worries to BJP.

In this regard, RSS general secretary Suresh Soni called
up Jaitley on Saturday night to find a solution to the
stand-off, sources said. PTI RC
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