In the aftermath of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a rift has emerged between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological mentor, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Senior RSS leader Indresh Kumar recently condemned the BJP for its “arrogance” while also criticizing the opposition INDIA bloc for being “anti-Ram.”
RSS’s Discontent with BJP
Indresh Kumar, a national executive member of the RSS, did not mince words while discussing the election outcomes. During the Ramrath Ayodhya Yatra Darshan Poojan Samaroh in Kanota near Jaipur, Kumar took a veiled jab at the BJP. “The party which did the bhakti (devotion) of Lord Ram but became arrogant was stopped at 241 seats, even though it emerged as the largest party,” he remarked.
Kumar’s criticism extends beyond the BJP to the opposition INDIA bloc, led by the Congress. He suggested that the electoral results were a reflection of divine justice. “Those who worshipped Ram but turned arrogant, God stopped them from gaining the power they sought due to their arrogance,” he said, implying that divine intervention played a role in the BJP’s setback.
Lok Sabha Election Results 2024
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, secured 240 seats on its own. With the support of allies such as the Janata Dal (United), Telugu Desam Party, and Shiv Sena, the total rose to 293 seats. In contrast, the opposition INDIA bloc won 234 seats.
RSS Magazine’s Analysis
Ratan Sharda, a life-long member of the RSS, provided a critical analysis in the RSS magazine Organiser. He pointed out that overconfidence among BJP workers and leaders contributed to the disappointing results. Sharda emphasized that the BJP failed to mobilize RSS cadres effectively during the election campaign.
“The election results served as a reality check for many overconfident BJP karyakartas and leaders,” Sharda wrote. He also highlighted a recurring complaint about the inaccessibility of local MPs and MLAs. “The biggest grouse of any BJP or RSS worker and common citizen has been the difficulty or even impossibility of meeting the local MP or MLA, let alone Ministers,” he noted.
The Ajit Pawar Alliance Controversy
Sharda also criticized the BJP’s alliance with Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). He described the partnership as “unnecessary politicking,” arguing that it was detrimental to BJP supporters who have long opposed Pawar’s ideology. “This alliance hurt BJP supporters immensely, as they have fought against this ideology for years,” Sharda stated.
RSS Chief’s Rebuke
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat also voiced his disapproval of the BJP’s election campaign tactics. In a recent address, Bhagwat condemned the “shrill” nature of the campaign, emphasizing that a true ‘sevak’ (servant) should maintain dignity and avoid arrogance. “The way people abuse each other, misuse technology, and spread fake news during election campaigns is not right,” Bhagwat said, suggesting that the decorum of the election process was compromised.
Future Implications
The critical feedback from RSS leaders indicates a need for introspection within the BJP. As the party prepares for upcoming state elections, addressing the concerns raised by its ideological mentor will be crucial. The alliance dynamics, particularly in Maharashtra, where the BJP partnered with Ajit Pawar, will also be under scrutiny.
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