Veterans' criticism not aimed at Narnedra Modi : BJP waters down revolt

"The leaders have not said anything against Modi. They have said things against the strategy but not against Modi," union minister Venkaiah Naidu said.

His statement came in the wake of the commotion created over the criticism of the leadership by party veteran, including LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi and the acerbic reply issued by the party.

On Tuesday, BJP veterans LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and Yashwant Sinha came out with a scathing statement saying that the party had been "emasculated" and its stand of collective responsibility for the Bihar defeat was a means of shirking responsibility.

Without taking names, the seniors alleged that the party had been "forced to kowtow to a handful, and how its consensual character has been destroyed."

Venkaiah Naidu said: "It would have been better if issues were raised in the party forum and not in public. We will take note of these concerns and discuss with all concerned people."

Union Minister Nitin  Gadkari  denied that he had asked BJP president Amit Shah to take disciplinary action against the seniors. "Neither I nor any other party functionary has ever shown any disrespect to them and there was absolutely no question of any one suggesting explanation from them and not the least demanding disciplinary action against them," he said in a statement.