The CPI(M) on Monday sought an explanation from Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on a meeting reportedly attended by BJP and RSS leaders and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval to discuss the BJP’s strategy for the elections in Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland.
A section of the media reported that BJP and RSS leaders, and most important, Mr. Doval, took part at the meeting.
“If correct, this is a shocking violation of norms and a serious misconduct. How can a senior government functionary like the NSA be present at a meeting to discuss the BJP’s election campaign? The Union Home Minister must immediately clarify,” the party said in a statement.
The CPI too asked the government to clarify. “It is one thing for the Home Minister to meet the NSA. But what was Mr. Doval doing at a political meeting? The government needs to explain,” CPI leader D. Raja said.
BJP sources denied the presence of Mr. Doval at the meeting. “The NSA was not present at the meeting. BJP and RSS leaders met Mr. Singh. It was a political meeting. Mr. Doval might have come later to meet the Home Minister, which we are not aware of,” a senior BJP leader said.
