Finally, Modi accepts ‘collective leadership’

Insiders say the PM’s Nagpur visit was aimed at reaffirming the Sangh principle

Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur on Sunday on the birthday of its founder Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar is being interpreted in various ways. The crux of the visit is the BJP’s reaffirmation to the principle of ‘collective leadership’ that the Sangh has been practicing and preaching all along.

The government under PM Modi is credited for tirelessly pursuing the RSS agenda without paying heed to the opposition it has been facing. However, since past some time the RSS had been unhappy over certain decisions that were made without following the set procedures for consultation between the two organizations.

The decisions, RSS felt, had been indicative of a certain group gaining undue weightage within and control over the BJP party organization. This led to BJP national president J P Nadda continue being in the post even after his extended tenure too has ended over two months ago. The friction within the two organizations is believed to have led to Nadda’s statement that the BJP did not need the RSS support anymore and the BJP’s underperformance in the Lok Sabha elections that followed soon after in May 2024.

Firm RSS

Sources close to developments said that the RSS put in its feet firm for implementation of the principle of ‘collective leadership’ within the BJP.

On this backdrop, PM Modi lauded the RSS workers on Sunday. He said that they had contributed selflessly to humanitarian efforts including disaster relief. "Their selfless service has been evident in times of floods, earthquakes, and most recently, at the Maha Kumbh," the Prime Minister said and added, 'Jahan seva kaarya, wahan swayamsevak'. Where there are problems and difficulties, swayamsevak is there to help people. They don't see their own personal problems and work selflessly with the spirit of service," PM Modi said in his address to the public in Nagpur.

With RSS celebrating its centenary this year, PM Modi stated that the ideas that were sown hundred years back, today has grown into this 'vat vriksh' big tree in front of the world. symbolising longevity and immortality.

Prime Minister Modi said, "...The ideas that were sown a hundred years back has today grown into this 'vat vriksh' in front to the world. The principles and ideologies give height to this tree.

The lakhs and crores of kar sevaks are the branches of it. This is not a common tree, it is RSS, the modern 'akshay vat vriksh' of India's immortal culture... Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is the modern Akshay Vat of the immortal culture of India. Today, this Akshay Vat is constantly energizing the Indian culture... the consciousness of our nation."

Praising Parivar

He also highlighted the involvement of RSS workers in initiatives like Vanvasi Kalyan Ashrams, Ekal Vidyalayas for tribal children, cultural awakening missions, and Seva Bharati's efforts to serve the underprivileged. Lauding the exemplary work of volunteers during the Prayag Mahakumbh, where they assisted millions through the Netra Kumbh initiative, he emphasized that wherever there is a need for service, volunteers are present. He remarked on the disciplined response of volunteers during disasters like floods and earthquakes, highlighting their selflessness and dedication to service.

This praise showered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the RSS is being interpreted as his assurance to the organizational leadership of adhering to the principle of ‘collective leadership’. It is said that the public programs were followed by a one on one meeting between PM Modi and RSS Sarasanghachalak Mohan Bhagwat. It is also said that what transpired in the meeting shall be known soon in the form of appointment of the new BJP president.

Next BJP President

The BJP is considering three names for the position of its next President. Dharmendra Pradhan, Bhupendra Yadav and Shivrajsinh Chouhan, all three Union ministers, are in the race. A source said Pradhan is leading in the race. The RSS seems to be favourable to his name with a rider that he should be given a complete freedom. “Pradhan recently lost his father. The way all bigwig BJP leaders visited him for condolences is an indication that he might be chosen for the coveted post,” the source said.