RSS tells BJP leaders to give tickets only to party loyalists

Bengaluru, Aug 31: RSS functionaries on Wednesday told top state BJP leaders not to induct into the party or provide tickets to those facing criminal charges, the corrupt, the rich just for the sake of funds.

Following the party’s national president Amit Shah’s directions during his recent visit to Bengaluru, RSS from now on will play a major role involving itself with affairs of the BJP in the run-up to the Assembly polls.

The full quorum of the 12-member core-committee, headed by state president B S Yeddyurappa, held a three-hour interaction with RSS functionaries at the latter’s headquarters Keshava Krupa in Bengaluru. BJP national general secretary (organisation) Ram Lal and the state functionaries V Nagaraj, Thippeswamy were present.

According to sources, RSS instructions were quite clear cut - party first and personalities later. The functionaries said leaders should not use their influence to get tickets to their supporters. Priority should be given to party loyalists while giving tickets and only after consultation with party central leadership, local units and the RSS.

Shah had recently warned the state leaders that he expected visible progress in the performance and improvement in the party’s image in the coming weeks failing which he will be forced to crack the whip. He had also told the leaders that they seek the guidance of the RSS on a regular basis.

On Wednesday, the RSS functionaries also told the BJP leaders to involve OBCs and the Dalits on a larger scale, a factor that worked positively for the party in the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls.

Yeddyurappa is said to have sought the support of the RSS to make its “Nava Karnataka Nirmana Ratha Yatra” the biggest ever in the state. The plan is to have a special designed “Ratha” to criss-cross all the 224 assembly constituencies in the state during the course of the two-month long yatra and expose the “misdeeds” of the Siddaramaiah government.

Later in the day, director of South India’s leading music company, Velu of Lahari Recording Company joined the BJP in the presence of Yeddyurappa and Union Minister Ananth Kumar.