In a first, the RSS held a press conference at LK Advani’s residence where RSS leader Madan Das Devi read a statement saying LK Advani is the senior most leader of the BJP and that the party will emerge stronger from the crisis.

Sources have told NDTV that the succession plan is almost finalised and Advani may step down as Leader of Opposition before the next parliamentary session that is before the year-end. The time frame needs to be worked for his exit. NDTV has also learnt that Advani could be appointed to some kind of advisory role.

Sources have also told NDTV that Rajnath too may step down and the Sangh may be pushing for someone outside, from the states.

The RSS would certainly have a say in choosing the successor. But what the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat would insist on, say sources, is an honourable exit for Advani.

The succession plan?

It is learnt that Mohan Bhagwat has told the BJP leaders to stay united. But does the party have a succession formula?

Sources have told NDTV that the first option is to elect Arun Jaitley as the BJP president and Sushma Swaraj as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

But if this finds stiff opposition, the second option the party is considering is to bring leaders outside Delhi.

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