Bhagwat's Bitter Remarks: RSS Frustration with BJP's Direction

The persistent tensions between the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) and the BJP leadership have once again come to the fore, reflecting a deeper ideological rift within the Hindu nationalist movement. The appointment of Nripendra Mishra, despite his controversial past involving the Ayodhya movement, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to oversee the Ram Lalla temple construction has irked the RSS. This decision, disregarding their objections, underscores a recurring pattern of BJP leaders prioritizing political pragmatism over the Sangh's ideological rigidity.

Furthermore, the RSS' disapproval of the timing for the pran pratishtha ceremony for Ram Lalla, scheduled post-Lok Sabha elections, reveals their desire to maintain a semblance of religious sanctity unmarred by political undertones. Their insistence on having a non-political figure perform the ceremony reinforces their vision of keeping religious rituals insulated from electoral machinations.

The RSS' dissatisfaction extends to electoral strategies, notably opposing the BJP's decision to field Kripa Shankar, a figure linked with the contentious "Hindu terror" narrative. This move, perceived as a betrayal of core ideological principles, has not only strained relations but also highlighted the RSS' concern over the BJP's tactical compromises.

Regional discontent further exacerbates these tensions. The RSS' frustration with the BJP's handling of unrest in Manipur and West Bengal, where expectations of Hindu consolidation were unmet, reflects a profound disappointment in the central government's inability to safeguard Hindu interests. The resulting consolidation among Kuki Christians and Muslims in these regions serves as a stark reminder of the BJP's miscalculations and the RSS' unwavering focus on Hindu unity.

Such episodes are not isolated incidents but part of a historical continuum of discord between the RSS and the BJP. From branding Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a "Mukhauta" to vehemently opposing L.K. Advani's controversial praise of Jinnah, the RSS has consistently challenged the BJP whenever it veers from its foundational ethos. Mohan Bhagwat's recent outburst is but a manifestation of this enduring ideological struggle, reflecting the RSS' relentless pursuit of its vision, often at odds with the BJP's political expediency.