After the RSS' show of strength in Meerut, where the Sangh claimed nearly two lakh volunteers attended the event, making it the world's largest congregation in uniform, the focus will now shift to its annual conference in Nagpur next month. All eyes are on this meet as it is likely kick off several organisational changes, not just in the RSS, but in the BJP as well.
During the annual conference to be held in Nagpur, the issue of election to its second powerful post–general secretary–will be taken up. Called sar karyavah, the post is currently held by Bhaiyyaji Joshi, who will be completing his third, three-year term. If Joshi is not given another extension due to his health issues as some believe, the post could go to Dattatreya Hosabale, who is currently the sah sar karyavah (joint general secretary) in the RSS.
Hosabale's name was doing the rounds even during the Sangh's annual meeting in 2015 when Joshi was given another term. Joshi is considered close to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. Another term would mean maintaining a status quo in the body.
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But any change would mean that the new general secretary will get to pick up his team and heads of several departments and in-charges across the states, and office bearers in the frontal organisations. There could even be changes in the RSS officials who are deputed to the BJP for coordination work.
Hosabale comes from the Sangh's student wing ABVP, and has good relations with a lot of senior BJP ministers and leaders who come from the same students body. He is also considered to be close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who certainly want a better-networked relations with the parent body as next Lok Sabha elections are near.
Independently, changes are likely in BJP chief Amit Shah's team as the saffron party has to pick up new faces for the Rajya Sabha. Elections to 58 seats will be held in April. Several general secretaries from Shah's team could get lucky with a Rajya Sabha nomination. After these elections, the BJP will be in a much more comfortable position, leaving Congress behind in numbers, in the Rajya Sabha.
The BJP government at the Centre has come as a big boon to the RSS as its reach has been on the upswing since then. As the public discourse is centered around Hindutva, the Sangh has been reaping its benefits. It continues to makes it presence felt in states with large Hindu population.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, during his speeches, has been talking about unity among the Hindus, rising above the caste differences.
“Just like we say sun rises and sets, but in reality we have the earth revolving around it, we have to turn towards nationalism” Bhagwat said. He even explained that Hindu becoming kattar (hardcore) would mean he/she is becoming more liberal, broadminded and helpful.
Such shows of strength help the RSS in making a statement, and in turn extending its reach.