•Coomi Kapoor: The perception is that in key decisions, the RSS’ view counts in the BJP. Two examples: Advani’s stepping down after the Jinnah controversy and the appointment of the finance minister in Vajpayee’s cabinet. In Advani’s case, he said in his book that ‘they’ wanted him to step down. This is a reference to the RSS.

Madan Das Devi: There are some exceptions, that’s all I can say.

•Suman K Jha: There is a perception that the dynamic equilibrium between the Sangh and the BJP has changed. Earlier, there was one RSS point person for the BJP. In the last one year, the RSS has deputed three leaders to interact with the BJP: you, Bhaiyaji Joshi and Suresh Soni. Is there a fundamental shift in Sangh-BJP relations?

Madan Das Devi: We are contact persons; we aren’t in charge of day-to-day activities, or what should happen in the party. That’s not our business. We are there for them if they need us, to help them or advise them, or to update their information. But there isn’t any shift.

•Vandita Mishra: One significant way in which the RSS is seen to help the BJP is with elections. But during Narendra Modi’s campaign in Gujarat’s Assembly elections, the RSS didn’t turn up for Modi — yet he won. Will you tell us about that campaign?

Madan Das Devi: That’s not true. Normally what happens happened in Gujarat too. But let’s not go into details.

•Manoj Chibber: Last year I met K S Sudarshan. He said the RSS can always back a new political party. Is that idea still open?

... contd.