RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has disclosed that the new BJP president will be someone from outside Delhi and the process has begun.

“Yes, the new leadership will be someone other than these four (Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, Venkaiah Naidu and Ananth Kumar). This is what I have been told. That is what has been agreed on and I believe the process has begun,” he told India Today.

The term of the present incumbent Rajnath Singh expires on December 31 and there are various names doing the rounds for the BJP presidentship. When asked whether he will get someone from outside Delhi in the 50 to 55 year age group, Bhagwat said “they will get someone from outside Delhi”.

To a question on the change in party leadership after its dismal performance in three Assembly elections, he said change would take place “but at its own time. I only said what I have been told (by the BJP), they have a plan in mind and it is rolling on”.

On the issue of Sangh ‘intervening’ and ‘imposing’ itself on the BJP, the 59-year-old Sarsanghchalak said “the RSS never intervenes, only gives advice when asked”.

Bhagwat disagreed with senior BJP leader L K Advani’s contention that demolition of Babri mosque was a national shame. “I don’t agree with Advani on this issue,” Bhagwat said, adding that permission should have given to kar seva when so many of the activists had gathered at the site.

He was asked whether he agreed with Advani that the demolition of the mosque was a national shame.

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