RSS office bearers meet to avoid political discussions

The annual meet takes stock of the overall performance and policies of the organisation that runs more than 58,000 sakhas across the country, and formulates its strategy for the next one year.

The three-day annual meeting of office-bearers of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) that began in the temple town of Somnath on Sunday, will avoid discussions on political issues and focus on organisational matters, a Sangh functionary said.

Sangh to focus on organisational matters in the meeting. However, Kashmir, West Bengal and Kerala are likely to be discussed.(HT File Photo)

Top Sangh leaders, including RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and general secretary Bhaiyyaji Joshi, apart from 200 delegates of the Hindutva fountainhead that is also the ideological mentor of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre, are attending the “Prant Pracharak” meeting.

The annual meet takes stock of the overall performance and policies of the organisation that runs more than 58,000 sakhas across the country, and formulates its strategy for the next one year.

Bhagwat, who arrived in Prabas Patan on Thursday, met local RSS leaders and volunteers ahead of the meeting on Sunday. The RSS chief also presided over a Sadbhavna Sammelan with local community members.

The venue of the meet, Sagar Darshan, a VIP guest house overlooking the Arabian Sea adjacent to Gujarat’s famed Somnath temple, has been turned into a fortress.

Though the Sangh leadership maintained that the upcoming general elections in 2019 are not part of the agenda, the parent organisation of the BJP is known as the networking and mobilising vehicle for the political party.

At the Sadhbhavna meet, Bhayyaji Joshi gave a call to Hindus of all castes to get united -- a significant call in the run up to 2019 elections, especially for Gujarat where the influential Patidars have been up in arms against the BJP government over their OBC quota demand.

“If required, core issues will be specially discussed,” said Kamal Raval, RSS spokesperson for Gir Somnath region.

Sources said the RSS wants to go ahead with its agenda to bring all the Hindu castes under one umbrella.

Besides, the Kashmir situation after the BJP pulled out of the alliance government with the Peoples Democratic Party and the alleged murders of right-wing supporters in Kerala and West Bengal are likely to figure in the deliberations, the sources added.

“This is purely an assessment and planning exercise. No resolution or decision will be passed in this meet,’’ said Raval.

Except for the prant-pracharaks and top office-bearers, the doors are closed for all other RSS members and volunteers.

A RSS leader said that along with young professionals, the organisation will be focussing on expanding its reach to senior citizens through Praudh Saptahik Milans (senior citizens’ weekly meetings).

In future, the RSS wants to train them for roles as family counsellor, for social integration and addressing social issues.

The Praudh Saptahik Milans had led to increased participation of doctors, engineers, retired government servants, businessman as well as vendors.

The RSS plans to increase the circulation of its magazine, Jagran Patrika, besides expanding its base on the social media, where the outfit already does live webcast of some of its events.

In Rajasthan last year, the RSS felicitated 572 postmen, in recognition of their immense contribution in delivering magazine in remote villages.