The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s surprise retention of Bhaiyyaji Joshi as its general secretary for a third consecutive term is being widely seen as the organisation’s move to maintain its influence and grip on the Narendra Modi-led government.
RSS Sah-Prachar Pramukh J. Nandkumar made the announcement of Bhaiyyaji’s re-election at a press conference here.
In the lead-up to the three-day conclave of the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhik Sabha (ABPS), the highest decision-making body of the Sangh, speculation was rife that additional general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, perceived to be close to Prime Minister Modi, could replace Mr. Joshi. But, on the eve of the conclave on Friday, Mr. Hosabale said that no army changes its commander in the middle of a winning battle, indicating that Mr. Joshi would be retained.
His reply to a question posed by this correspondent during Friday’s media interaction also revealed the direction the wind was blowing.
Asked if the Prime Minister’s strong personality and image had contributed to the growth of the RSS in recent years, Mr. Hosabale said, “The increasing spread of the RSS in the past few years is not because of any individual. It is the hard work of our workers and emphasis on increasing contacts which has taken us closer to the people.”
If some RSS sources are to be believed, Mr. Hosbale’s “perceived” closeness to Mr. Modi and his health condition were the main obstacles to his elevation as the executive head of the organisation.
“Bhaiyyaji’s re-election is a signal that the RSS top brass does not want any individual [PM] to dominate the entire Parivar. When a son tries to assert himself, the father has to come forward and tell the family that he is in command,” an RSS office-bearer told The Hindu when asked to analyse Bhaiyyaji’s re-election.
The larger Sangh Parivar, despite the convincing victory of the BJP last year, has been facing many internal conflicts over the decisions of the Modi government, be it on the Land Acquisition Bill or the “uneasy alliance” in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, the Bharatiya Kisan Manch and the Swadeshi Jagran Manch, all RSS organisations, have openly criticised the Modi government over one issue or another — a clear signal that all is not well in the Parivar. Had Mr. Hosabale replaced Bhaiyyaji, someone junior to Mr. Modi would have been given a responsibility of negotiating with him and everyone knows how dominating our Prime Minister is,” said another RSS leader from Nagpur.
A sense of relief could be seen in RSS circles over Bhaiyyaji’s re-election.
Making the announcement to the media about Bhaiyyaji’s re-election, RSS Sah-Prachar Pramukh J. Nandkumar said the RSS had seen a “significant spread” in the past six years under Bhaiyyaji as the general secretary.
Asked if Bhaiyyaji has been rewarded for winning an election, Mr. Nandkumar said, “The issue is that of change but not only political change. Political change did take place in the country, but the RSS strives for long-standing and inherent change.”
He said Bhaiyyaji would speak to the media on Sunday.
