New Delhi, Aug. 30 : Leader of Opposition L. K. Advani is likely to step down from his post before the next session of Parliament as part of the BJP succession plan formula, sources said.

As per the plan, reportedly devised by the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), there is also a move to put in place an advisory body of senior BJP leaders, which will include the names of Advani, former Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and senior leader Murli Manohar Joshi.

The developments came even as RSS Chief Mohan Bhawat met Advani at breakfast on Sunday morning to discuss current and emerging issues in the BJP.

After the meeting, senior RSS leader Madan Das Devi told a press conference on Sunday morning that he was confident about the BJP resolving its problems.

"We (RSS) are hopeful that the crisis in the BJP will be resolved. The RSS is assured that the BJP will overcome all problems," Devi said.

"We all think that a large party such as the BJP has the capability of being given new direction and end its problems. Important BJP leaders met leaders of the RSS. Shri L. K. Advani and other senior BJP leaders met us. We discussed issues of national importance, party issues etc. They have assured us that the problems of the party will be resolved," Devi added.

Sunday''s breakfast meeting between Advani and Bhagwat was the second between the two. They had earlier met on Saturday afternoon for about two hours at the RSS headquarters in Delhi - Keshavkunj to discuss various issues.

Saturday''s meeting took place amid reports that the RSS has readied a succession plan for the BJP. However, BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar told reporters at a press conference that no succession plan was discussed.

The RSS is believed to have told the BJP leadership to set its house in order. In a sign that this is being given serious thought, top brass of the BJP met at Advani''s residence yesterday morning for about two hours and briefed him about their discussions with Bhagwat on Friday.

The Rashtriya Swayam Sewak Sangh (RSS) reportedly asked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership this morning to work on a blue print that it has handed over to ensure a smooth succession.

According to sources, Leader of Opposition L K Advani has been asked to preside over the exercise.

Sources also said that Advani had been told to step down after ensuring speedy implementation of the plan, but the RSS has left the timing of Advani''s exit to him. (ANI)