BJS to join hands with BJP in polls

The Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) today said that it would strive for seat adjustments with the BJP in future polls even though the latter had ...

The Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) today said that it would strive for seat adjustments with the BJP in future polls even though the latter had given up

its commitment to Hindutva.

BJS general secretary Prafull Goradia told The Indian Express: ‘‘We would try to prevent a division of votes by joining hands with them (BJP) because they at least have sympathy for Hindus. As for commitment to Hindutva, they gave it up at the recent national executive meeting at Goa.’’

He said the BJS would try to have seat adjustments with the Shiv Sena and the Shiromani Akali Dal as well.

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When asked about the RSS attitude towards the BJS, Goradia said, ‘‘I can only say they consider us a part of the Parivar.’’

Regarding the VHP, which has talked of the need for a Hindu party in the past, Goradia claimed that it was sympathetic to them. Goradia disclosed that he had been invited by the VHP to deliver speeches at its functions after he had quit the BJP to join BJS.

Goradia, a former BJP member of the Rajya Sabha, said Prof Balraj Madhok, former President and co-founder of the BJS, had convened a meeting of party leaders for October 20 to take stock of the political situation.

The party has planned a function the next day to mark its 54th foundation day.