Mumbai: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is considering four full-timers from Nagpur for the post of Organisational General Secretary (OGS) in the State BJP unit in place of Ravi Bhusari, who announced his decision to withdraw from active politics citing advancing age. Mr. Bhusari left for his hometown of Wasa in Gadchiroli on July 9.
Filling in till a permanent appointee is selected is senior BJP leader Atul Bhatkalkar. He said, “The party president has only asked me to look after the affairs of the OGS. There is not formal appointment as such (of an interim nature). The new appointment will be made by State BJP president Raosaheb Danve, national president Amit Shah and Chief Minister Devdendra Fadnavis.”
A senior BJP leader added, “Organisational posts in the BJP are the prerogative of the RSS top brass.” Another senior BJP functionary would only confirm that four candidates were being considered for the post, and most hailed from Nagpur. “You will have to wait for the announcement from Nagpur,” he said.
A BJP activist said, “In recent times, Mr. Bhusari had faced criticism for having taken the party diktat to modernise too literally. He began sporting flashy clothes and was active on social media. This had not gone down well with some senior partymen, who also felt he was unable to cope with the organisational role.”
During his recent visit to Mumbai, Mr. Shah was faced with queries on vacancies in organisational posts, boards and trusts. He said, “We gave you all the support you needed for the local self body elections to help you win. Even for the BMC polls, we gave you what you sought, but you were unable to unseat the Shiv Sena.”
