NEWSLINKS US EDITION SOUTH ASIA COLUMNISTS DIARY SPECIALS INTERVIEWS CAPITAL BUZZ REDIFF POLL DEAR REDIFF THE STATES ELECTIONS ARCHIVES US ARCHIVES SEARCH REDIFF
Venkaiah Naidu, who took over as the president of the Bharatiya Janata Party from Jana Krishnamurthy on Monday, said that he would focus on expanding the base of the party.
"While the mantra for the government would be development, the mantra for the party would be expansion," Naidu told newspersons at the BJP headquarters in Delhi in an informal chat after taking over the party's top post.
"I will aim to further consolidate the party, both at the state and national levels. While seeking to maintain a healthy relationship with all the allies, the party will strive to get an absolute majority (in Parliament) on its own," he said.
To this end, he would make necessary changes in the party structure after consulting senior leaders, he said adding there would be constant contact between the government and the party.
To ensure this, Deputy Prime Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani has agreed to spare some time for party work every week, he said.
"It could be once a week to twice a week depending upon his availability," he added.
Naidu refused to answer questions pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir and the RSS demand for trifurcation of the state.
Before commencing work, he would visit his constituency and pay his respects at the Balaji temple in Tirupati, Naidu said.
After spending one day in Hyderabad, he would be back in Delhi on July 5 (Friday) and would be in party office on Saturday, he said.
Back to top
Tell us what you think of this report
