RSS coordination meet begins, Nadda, Santosh represent BJP

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 31

The Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh on Saturday commenced a key three-day meeting with its 32 affiliated organisations, including the political wing BJP, to chalk out areas of focus for the future and discuss better coordination prospects.

Sangh supremo Mohan Bhagwat and general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale (widely seen as Bhagwat's successor) are presiding over the meeting which will conclude on September 2.

National president JP Nadda, general secretary organisation BL Santosh and joint general secretary organisation Shiv Prakash are representing the BJP in the meeting.

National presidents and national organisation general secretaries of all Sangh inspired organisations are attending the gathering where ABVP, VHP, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, Swadeshi Jagran Manch, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram and other RSS protege outfits are represented.

This will be the first RSS, BJP national-level meeting after the ruling party won a third term at the Centre but without simple majority on its own and country returned to coalition era after a decade long break under Prime minister Narendra Modi.

The BJP will present its report card to the Sangh and the two are expected to discuss sticking points and areas for improvement.

The BJP has been struggling with opposition powered narrative on Scheduled Castes since the Lok Sabha poll cycle campaign.

The opposition accusation that the NDA wanted 400 seats to dilute constitutional quotas had gone home damaging BJP prospects in key seats.

Reigning angst of farmers against the BJP remains another area of concern.

Issues of accessibility of BJP leadership, perceived arrogance of its brass may also come up, along with government stand on the safety of Bangladesh Hindus.

The RSS has independently approached the UN Human Rights Council demanding a fact finding mission on minority status in Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina's fall.