Will Modi have full support from RSS in elections?

The address of Rashtriya Swyamsevak Sangh Chief Mohan Bhagwat at Vijaya Dashami celebrations in Nagpur remained largely unnoticed in the media. Bhagwat’s mild-looking assertion carries many revelations that have a lot to do with the contemporary politics of India. These revelations point to the readiness of the Hindutva outfit to plunge into the ongoing electoral battle. Though his outwardly benign appeal to voters to participate in elections may have impressed many, he has outlined the position of the RSS in elections and openly batted for the regime of Prime Minister Modi in unequivocal terms. There has been a buzz for some months now that the RSS is not happy with the developments in the BJP and has disagreements over the way he is making decisions. The speculations rose to heights after the BJP lost the Karnataka elections. An opinion piece in a RSS’ magazine suggested that Prime Minister Modi’s image and the force of Hindutva might not guarantee an electoral victory. The article suggested that something more be done to keep things moving forward. The reflection was interpreted as a loss of faith in the present leadership of the BJP. Further marginalization of senior leaders, including Nitin Gadkari, Rajnath Singh, and a score of others, fueled the speculation that the RSS may clip the wings of Prime Minister Modi and his closest political ally, Home Minister Amit Shah.

However, there are counterarguments against the speculation. Analysts say that the RSS is so dependent on Modi and Shah that it cannot afford to discard them. They cite the power the duo wields. They refer to the story of Gujarat, where neither the RSS nor the BJP organization can do anything independently. Both have been crippled to a position in which Modi-Shah decides everything, they say.

The latter view certainly holds water. The RSS did nothing to support the view expressed in its magazine. Gadkari faced clear marginalization and Rajnath Singh showed no opposition to the autocratic behavior of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Meanwhile, some old RSS lieutenants, including Radhamohan Singh, were sidelined, and no hint of opposition was shown.

Bhagwat’s speech points to his total endorsement of Modi, and it must take the buzz of resentment to rest. It also gives a clue to the future direction of the Hindutva organization. Bhagwat has also addressed the immediate concern of the organization about what should be done with the upcoming elections in the States and the Lok Sabha elections. Elections in five States—Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Mizoram—will be over in the first week of December. The Lok Sabha elections are due in May 2024. He has made it clear that the RSS is not turning away from the politics of Prime Minister Modi. The gossip about it going in a different direction looks like an exaggerated interpretation of a general suggestion. Bhagwat extended full support to Modi and elaborated its stand in a manner that only shows that his organization is on the same page with Prime Minister Modi. Bhagwat not only endorsed the domestic policy and actions of the Modi government but also supported its foreign policy. His endorsements lead us to think that the RSS is not searching for an alternative to Prime Minister Modi and completely buys his rhetoric on every single issue. The most interesting of these endorsements is his applause for the success of the G20 meeting.

Over the last year, our Bharat played host, as president, to a grouping of major countries called the G-20. Throughout the year, several programs for heads of state, ministers, administrators, and intellectuals of member countries were organized at various places across Bharat. Inevitably, the experience of the warm hospitality extended by the people, Bharat's glorious past, and the exciting developmental march that is underway left the participants from all the countries greatly impressed.

“Everyone witnessed Bharat’s genuine goodwill and diplomatic tact in getting the African Union accepted as a member of the coveted G-20 and in getting the Declaration Resolution unanimously passed on the very first day of the Summit held in New Delhi in September this year. Due to Bharat’s distinct thoughts and vision, our guiding principle of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' has now been incorporated into the philosophy of the entire world. Thanks to Bharat’s efforts, the economy-centric idea of the G-20 has now transformed into a human-centric one. By successfully holding the G-20 Summit, our leadership has done a commendable job of firmly establishing Bharat as a major nation on the global stage”, he said.

No distinction can be seen in the words of Prime Minister Modi and the RSS Chief, so far as the success of Chandrayaan is concerned. “The Chandrayaan Mission also gloriously showcased the resurgent Bharat’s strength, intelligence, and tact. The will of the nation’s leadership seamlessly combined with the scientific knowledge and technical prowess of our scientists,” says Bhagwat.

The entire opposition has been united in criticizing the Prime Minister for not taking the situation in Manipur seriously. The Prime Minister has been in denial mode. However, the RSS chief has completely exonerated him. Instead, he questions others.

“Which foreign powers may be interested in taking advantage of such unrest and instability in Manipur, located between Nagabhoomi and Mizoram in this border area? Does the geopolitics of Southeast Asia also have a role in these events? Despite a strong government in the country, on whose strength and instigation has this violence continued unabated for so many days? Why did this violence erupt and continue even though a State government wanted to maintain the peace that had prevailed over the last nine years?” he says. The statement shows he is not even ready to criticize the State government.

Do these endorsements lead us to speculate that the RSS will play a leading role in the coming elections?

(The author is a senior journalist. He has experience of working with leading newspapers and electronic media including Deccan Herald, Sunday Guardian, Navbharat Times and Dainik Bhaskar. He writes on politics, society, environment and economy)