The central BJP leadership is quite scared of the growing unrest among Dalits, farmers and tribals across the country. RSS which so far has succeeded in setting the narrative for the development and empowerment of these classes, for the first time, finding itself moving in a bind. It is running short of ideas, as to what should be done to frustrate Rahul Gandhi’s onslaught.
At a meeting of the top RSS leaders, the participants blamed Narendra Modi for the present deplorable situation of the saffron ecosystem. The leaders were of the opinion that for Modi’s overzealous populist actions, the saffron system was lying in a state of flux. He was simply resorting to l rhetoric and not starting any positive action for rejuvenating the party at the grass root.
During the discussion the leaders were unanimous of the view that Modi should be asked to fall in RSS line and be ready to have a person of its choice for the president of the BJP. Usually a president is elected for three years, but now J P Nadda continues to be in office for virtually two terms. His extension period is literally to complete three years. This delay in electing the new president simply underscores poor leadership quality and its inability to make a right decision within right time frame.
RSS leaders also shared the perception that Modi has much left to do to reach out to the Dalits, OBC and EBC. This has helped the opposition, especially Congress to paint BJP as an anti-Dalit party. The leaders expressed shock at the reticence to get across RSS message across to the poor, Dalits and tribals.
The leaders also nursed the view that Modi was more dependent on bureaucrats for accomplishing his task rather than involving the BJP leaders and RSS pracharaks. This is the reason that many of the policies and policies have failed to evoke a proper response at the grass root level amongst the poor, Dalits, OBCs and EBCs. They lamented that the bureaucrats have been reluctant to listen to the cadres advice and act according to their whims purely with the motive to please Modi and Amit Shah.
The RSS leaders were of the firm view that the sooner it selects its president and announces his name, it would be better for the party. The delay will cause severe damage to the party in future. The RSS leadership is now gearing up to take this ‘challenge’ head on. They held that the name of Bhaiyyaji (Suresh) Joshi, as the party president, should be made public without any further delay. Surprisingly the other name that cropped was of Nitin Gadkari. He is a non-controversial leader, known for his clear and upright stance.
Many RSS leaders are reported to be of view that the issue of president must be sorted out as early as possible.. They are apprehensive that Modi and Shah were planning to delay the election of new president for simply nominating their supporters as the party candidate in the ensuing Bihar assembly election. RSS is scared that most of the eligible candidates who have associated with the party for years will be ignored and in their places supporters of turncoats would be nominated.
Meanwhile the name of Annamalai the former president of Tamil Nadu state BJP, has been making round in the saffron circle for the new national president. He was appointed as the BJP’s Tamil Nadu chief in June 2021, shortly after the Assembly elections in which the party contested as part of the AIADMK-led NDA. While quitting the office, a week back, he said; “I want the party to have a bright future. Many have given their lives for the growth of this party. I always wish the best for this party. I am not in the race for the next state president. I’m not going to respond to any political speculation. I’m not in any race,” he had said.
The BJP sources say that while he is a close associate of Amit Shah, his nomination would also be cited as a strategic move to expand in southern states. He is supposed to be a strong and competent organiser. Close aides of Modi and Shah hold that Annamalai has close relationship with both Modi and Shah. He knows the southern states too well.. Party sources maintained that the party always looks for workers who have good grooming in organisation work, are well connected to all the workers and have ideological commitment. It is argued that the BJP is well-positioned to have a president from the south if it wants to. Congress winning Telangana and TDP triumph in Andhra Pradesh has made this task more urgent.
Some leaders of BJP say they have their eyes on 2029 Lok Sabha election and which is why they want to have Annamalai as the new chief. They are sure that even RSS would agree to their move and approve their suggestion. It is said so far the BJP had its presidents from north or central India. With Mallikarjun Kharge from Karnataka, as the Congress chief, the BJP must consider a leader from south for the task. The RSS leaders want the process of selecting the new president within a short period, at least before May 2025. They are reluctant to give more time to Modi and Shah. (IPA Service)
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