Though the RSS publicly supports affiliate autonomy, insiders suggest it plays a significant indirect role in vetting and approving the next president. The preferred candidate profile is clear—a senior leader around 60, deeply embedded in the RSS, someone known for organisational acumen, ideological loyalty, and the ability to steward BJP into a post-Narendra Modi era
Amid speculation of differences between the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its political arm—the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—over the selection of the next party president, Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday clarified that the Sangh does not interfere in the functioning of its affiliates.
“We don’t control them (RSS affiliates) directly or remotely. The bond of our volunteers with the RSS is unbreakable. We meet, talk and help them if they seek help, but we don’t pressurise them to do what we say. They hear us and do what they deem fit because they have to run the organisation and they have the expertise. After a while, our affiliates become self-reliant,” Bhagwat said.
Speaking at an interaction with influencers ahead of the RSS completing 100 years this October, he also emphasised that organisations linked to the Sangh are independent in their decisions and actions as they “have to take everyone along and are not formed of RSS cadres alone.”
Interestingly, though the RSS publicly supports affiliate autonomy, insiders suggest it plays a significant indirect role in vetting and approving the next president. The preferred candidate profile is clear—a senior leader around 60, deeply embedded in the RSS, someone known for organisational acumen, ideological loyalty, and the ability to steward BJP into a post-Narendra Modi era
Meanwhile, Bhagwat also struck a note of inclusivity, stressing the need for harmony among communities. He described the “organisation of Hindu society” as the Sangh’s ultimate goal, but underlined that Hindu dharma stood for unity, not division. “For 40,000 years, the DNA of the people of Bharat — living in Akhand Bharat — has been the same… Some know they are Hindus but hesitate to admit it, and some do not know they are Hindus,” he said, reiterating a position he has voiced earlier.
The speculation over the BJP’s next president has gained momentum. The three-year term of incumbent JP Nadda formally ended last year, and while he continues in the role, the party is expected to name his successor soon.
On Tuesday, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan sidestepped questions on whether he was in contention for the top post, insisting his focus was on boosting farm output and raising farmers’ income. His remarks came amid reports of a recent meeting with Bhagwat.
According to sources, the BJP is expected to finalise its new president before the Bihar Assembly elections. A panel of potential candidates has been drawn up by the party high command. Consultations will resume after the Vice President election on September 9, after which the formal schedule for the BJP president’s election is likely to be announced.
