After the RSS failed to induct Janata Party chief Subramanian Swamy in the BJP due to stiff resistance from senior party leaders, attempts are on to bring in Dr Swamy’s party in the NDA fold. Sources disclosed that BJP chief Nitin Gadkari discussed this issue with NDA convenor and JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav recently and the matter is under consideration. The RSS appreciates Dr Swamy for his “crusade” against the 2G spectrum scam and his role in stalling the Sethusamudram project.
Sources said the Sangh Parivar fountainhead had tried to induct Dr Swamy into the BJP soon after Mr Gadkari had taken over the reins. But despite Mr Gadkari’s attempts, Dr Swamy could not be inducted as most of the senior leaders were against it. Some of the senior leaders had also reasoned that it would not be in the party’s interest to rope in Dr Swamy, who had openly criticised party patriarch and former Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee.
Sources disclosed that RSS is also appreciative of Dr Swamy’s role in the Sethusamudram project case, against which he had moved the Supreme Court. The RSS, its affiliates and other Hindu organisations are against the project as they are of the view that the current alignment of the project — connecting Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar between India and Sri Lanka — will destroy the Ramsethu, believed to be built by Lord Ram. The RSS, it is learnt, sees Dr Swamy as an emerging “Hindutva poster boy” who should have been in the Hindutva fold. But with majority section in the BJP opposed to his induction, it was decided that his party should become part of the NDA fold, sources said.
The RSS, sources said, is also happy with Dr Swamy’s “crusade” against the 2G spectrum scam and those allegedly involved in it. Sources said RSS is of the view that it was Dr Swamy’s efforts that action was taken against those involved, including former communications minister A. Raja.