New Delhi:
The Sangh Parivar is battling a war within. Two events are threatening to split the family - L K Advani's sixth yatra and the return of old RSS hand Sanjay Joshi to the BJP.
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who had earlier opposed Mr Advani's yatra against corruption, has now made his displeasure known over the re-induction of Mr Joshi, his bete noire, who was forced out of the party after an MMS scandal six years ago.
The two issues are leading to a realignment within the saffron parivar. NDTV has learnt that Mr Advani, in an attempt to win over Mr Modi, called the Gujarat Chief Minister on Thursday. Mr Modi extended support to Mr Advani's yatra, and asked for the veteran's support against Sanjay Joshi.
BJP sources say Mr Advani has indicated to the party president Nitin Gadkari that Mr Modi's sentiments on Mr Joshi's re-entry should be taken into account. Sources say the battle could take on an ugly hue with the Gujarat Chief Minister threatening to write a public letter exposing Mr Joshi.
This despite Mr Gadkari and the RSS brushing aside the Modi-Advani opposition to bringing back Mr Joshi. Mr Gadkari had made an announcement in August announcing Mr Joshi's return. Most BJP leaders say Sanjay Joshi's skills as an organiser are valuable.
Earlier this month, Mr Modi skipped a two-day national executive meet of the BJP; Mr Joshi was prominently present. And the party top brass had reacted strongly to Mr Modi's absence.
The current crisis could have serious repercussions for the Sangh Parivar. It could be a titanic clash: Modi-Advani versus RSS-Gadkari.
But unlike in the past, the dissent is muted, as both Mr Advani and Mr Modi are refusing to take on the Sangh. Mr Advani, soon to set off on his sixth yatra since 1990, needs the Sangh's backing.
Mr Modi on the other hand is positioning himself as the prime ministerial candidate. Something he can't achieve without the Sangh on his side.