Dismissing speculation on differences within the Bharatiya Janata Party on the leadership issue, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on Thursday described as 'very appropriate' party President Venkaiah Naidu's assertion that Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was its supreme leader.
Asked about Vajpayee's remarks that Deputy Prime Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani would lead the party in the next general election, which has caused a flutter in political circles, RSS spokesman Ram Madhav told PTI, "If at all you read anything, it shows the mutual respect and confidence between the two leaders. It reflects Vajpayee's large heartedness, confidence and faith in Advani's capabilities."
"The RSS fully endorses Naidu's statement that Vajpayee would lead the party and that he is the number one leader of the country," Madhav said.
Asked whether Naidu's flip-flop statements on the leadership issue had provoked Vajpayee to make such a remark, the RSS spokesman said, "The prime minister is a statesman. He will not get upset over such matters."
