PANJIM: Notwithstanding the show of strength by the rebel RSS Goa Prant led by Subhash Velingkar through a convention on Sunday, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday is standing firm on its Medium of Instruction (MoI) policy to continue giving grants to English medium primary schools.
The party also claimed that the current happening within the sangh in the State will not impact its prospects in the 2017 elections, as it believes in taking along all sections of society and not just one organization (RSS rebellion faction backed by BBSM).
Addressing media persons, BJP Lok Sabha MP Narendra Sawaikar said RSS is a respectable organisation in India and the world. “We respect the decisions of RSS but BJP is an independent political party, which believes in working by taking all sections into confidence,” he said.
Acting as if the party is unaware of the RSS Goa Prant, Sawaikar said that for the BJP, RSS is currently headed by Laxman ‘Nana’ Behre. “We know only about this” he said
Asked about Velingkar’s, as well as the Behre-led RSS demanding that grants to English medium schools be withdrawn, the BJP leader said the party stand is very clear to continue with its existing policy. “Chief Minister has reiterated our stand on MoI several times. We will follow our current decision,” he said.
The BJP-led government is facing severe opposition owing to its decision to give grants to 137 Diocesan schools. BBSM, a group led by pro-Marathi/Konkani supporters, along with the RSS rebel group, has decided to float a political alternative against the BJP and contest the 2017 polls. During its first convention held on Sunday, the RSS Goa Prant workers resolved to defeat the BJP in the election.
“Such things will have no impact. BJP will win the election because of its work. Our work will speak and we are confident of winning the 2017 elections,” Sawaikar said.
Asked about a possible alliance with the Shiv Sena, the BJP leader said a decision is yet to be taken. “But in Maharashtra we have a strong alliance with Shiv Sena,” he added.
