A day after Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief spokesperson Manmohan Vaidya said here that a “new RSS Sarkaryavah” (general secretary and number two) would be elected by Sunday, Dattatreya Hosbale, who is speculated to become number two, refused to confirm it on Friday.
Speaking to presspersons at the inauguration of the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha at Hedgewar Smriti Mandir here, Mr. Hosbale said he had nothing to say on the issue.
“No army changes its general in the middle of an already winning battle,” he said.
Balancing act
According to some RSS sources, Bhayyaji Joshi could continue in case the RSS wants an experienced hand to do a balancing act between the government and the Sangh.
“Bhayyaji is one of the senior persons in the organisation. It would be better for the RSS if he continues, because the dominating personality of the Prime Minister would continue to pose challenges to the RSS’s leadership on various fronts. Even if Bhayyaji is replaced, he will continue to be an important voice in RSS’s decision-making,” an organisation insider told The Hindu .
According to an RSS office-bearer from Vidarbha, Mr. Hosbale is facing some health issues which might hamper his elevation.
“Mr. Hosbale is young and energetic. When he was elevated as the Sah-Sarkaryavah a few years ago, it was clear that he would become Sarkaryavah one day,” said another RSS officer-bearer based in Nagpur.
